When did the Republican Party offically become the "state-rights" party?

Question

I just asked if today's Republican Party was for state rights or centralized federal power and all the con republicans said state rights.

My question is, since when?

The Party of Lincoln used the power of the federal government to force the southern states to end slavery.

The Party of Theodore Roosevelt used the power of the federal government to regulate big business, protect the environment, and help the American worker.

And...

Although today's southern conservative (CONFEDERATE FLAG WAVING) Republicans like to claim credit for what the northeastern/upper midwestern liberal Republicans did by voting for the 1964 Civil Rights Act, the act was an excercise in FEDERAL POWER over state rights. It was opposed by liberterians like Barry Goldwater (and his protege Ronald Reagan) for that very reason.

noils,

Best answer so far. Previously, the "state-rights" mantra was only heard in the Dixiecrat Party (aka as the conservative State Rights segregation forever Southern Democrat Party). These racist democrats have since become Republicans. That's why today's Republican Party is the new "state-rights" (wink wink) party.

Answer 1

probally about the time of Marshall

Answer 2

As with many issues pertaining to the constitution, the republican party has been traditional. States Rights is a part of the Bill of Rights and is the 10 Amendment to the US Constitution. Way before the "Dixiecrat's" you mention, Thomas Jefferson, the 3rd President of the United States and a key author of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, was also "one of the most influential Founding Fathers for his promotion of the ideals of Republicanism in the United States." He was an ardent supporter of states rights and co-authored the "Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions" that give a an early written record of his/Republican support to the idea of states' rights. Sen Strom Thurmond, who created the Dixiecrat Party, did so in protest to desegregation issues with the Truman administration and caused a split with the Democrats. Not the best part of American history. More recently though, prominent Republicans, two of which who are most responsible for the rise of modern conservative political beliefs and values, Sen Barry Goldwater from Arizona and President (and former Governor of California) Ronald Reagan were both strong supporters of states rights. From this, the states rights issue became part of the anti-Big Government push, where supporters of a smaller federal government looked to move power back closer to the people in the states as our founding fathers intended it to be. Hope this helps. PJJ

Answer 3

IF you bothered to do the research the general policy of the Republican party has been since conception keep government as low as possible. If you can do it at the city level don't giver control to the county. If the county can do it don't give the control to the state. If the state can do it don't give control to the federal government. You ONLY let the feds get involved IF you have no other choice.

Now since you want to redefine everything you have redefined that into states rights. It's not a correct definition but since you refuse to admit YOU could possibly be in error it becomes a moot point.

IF you really don't want big government don't even think about voting for anyone who calls themselves a Democrat. Democrats according to their track record want EVERYTHING controlled by Washinton DC. They want every dollar taxed top go through the entire buracracy so 40% can be wasted in the process.

Answer 4

What it comes down to is whichever party has more of it's agenda defeated at the Federal level starts supporting state's rights, in the hopes of advancing thier agenda at that level.

Abortion is an example, it's legalized at the Federal level (the Supreme Court), so it's opponents are all for expanding the rights of the states to regulate abortion.

So, what those replies probably indicate is that the self-identified conservatives you quized feel that many of the things they want to see accomplished have been blocked at the Federal level.

Answer 5

They like to parrot that, but they're only for "states rights" if a Democrat is in power in the White House, or if they control Congress.

Their unblinking support for the breathtakingly authoritarian policies of this administration put the lie to that claim.

I think hypocrisy is the single identifiable trait of most modern conservatives.

Answer 6

Does anyone really want a states rights party is the question?

I see so many people on here wanting a government solution to problems or wanting less government period.

I think our society has become too connected for a states rights movement to get too much momentum.

Answer 7

bottom line is that those who advocate state's rights are usually trying to find a new way to reinstutionalize unconstutional behavior.

the supreme court's doing a pretty good job of it as well.

Answer 8

When gay marriage became an issue.

No wait, state's issue marriage licenses.

Answer 9

When Nixon used his "Southern Strategy" to welcome southern segregationists to the Republican Party.