Was the Constitution meant to be used for welfare and good-will?

Question

In 1794, when Congress appropriated $15,000 for relief of French refugees who fled from insurrection in San Domingo to Baltimore and Philadelphia, James Madison stood on the floor of the House to object saying, "I cannot undertake to lay my finger on that article of the Constitution which granted a right to Congress of expending, on objects of benevolence, the money of their constituents."
-- James Madison, 4 Annals of congress 179 (1794)


If you disagree with Madison please tell me the definition of benevolence.

Today the government gives out tons of money on social programs.

Answer 1

Yes.
The Government has created a whole sector of our country, that is now nothing but a bunch of Liberal Welfare People.

Answer 2

I agree with Madison's sentiments in the sense that our program system has become bloated today and those who support these programs are taking too much from hard working income earners.

I disagree with his analysis with the case in question because the Constitution does give the power to control immigration and naturalization. Dealing with refugees who have landed on your coast would fall under this in my book.

This general welfare clause nonsense many say does not hold water when you look at the 18th century understanding of the term "general welfare." It seems many do not realize terms change in use over centuries.

Answer 3

If a portion only half as much was spent on social reform as war and violence, the entire world would benefit. How can anyone possibly question the small pittance allotted to welfare programs with trillions spent on a trumped up and biased war lead by thugs and social scorpions who profiteer from the blood of our service personnel. All the conservative, Republican right wing religious bigots can deal with and accept is the negative aspects and doom of superstitious nonsense combined with the putrefaction of education to value the worst human nature can produce.

Answer 4

benevolence: that which is an act of kindness, doing good.

james madison also had nothing to do with amendments 13, 14, or 15...

Answer 5

The only "welfare" the Constitution mentions is the promotion of the General Welfare of American citizens.

Answer 6

The government spends a tiny fraction of the entire budget on social programs.

It states in the Constitution that the government is to provide for the welfare of it's citizens. i.e. not let them sit on the street and rot. Or so says my opinion. :)

Answer 7

IT IS MEANT FOR COMMONWEALTH NOT BEGGING, REMEMBER? IS NOT WHAT YOUR COUNTRY CAN DO FOR YOU, BUT WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR COUNTRY AND NOW A DAYS LOOKS LIKE MOST OF PEOPLE HAD FORGOTTEN THIS...