LESSON 03 : Hierarchy of Sovereignty
Course

Discover the natural and constitutional hierarchy of sovereignty, from God and individuals to governments and corporations, and learn how these principles protect individual rights and limit government power.
This micro-learning course, 'Hierarchy of Sovereignty,' provides a thorough exploration of the foundational order of authority in American law and natural rights philosophy. You will examine how sovereignty flows from God to people, then to states, governments, and ultimately to corporations. Through a series of concise modules, the course unpacks the delegation of power via constitutions, the pivotal role of consent, and the importance of natural law in safeguarding individual rights. You'll analyze how state and federal constitutions serve as trust documents that bind government officials to fiduciary duties, and you'll identify the exact limits on government action as set by both natural law and the U.S. Constitution. The course also teaches you how to recognize unlawful government actions, offering real-world scenarios and legal defenses to protect your rights. Modern abuses of power are critically examined, with discussion on corrective strategies rooted in the natural order and constitutional law. Key concepts include jurisdiction, consent, fiduciary duty, and the doctrine of sovereign immunity. You'll understand how these principles interact to prevent overreach and preserve freedom. By the end of the course, you'll be equipped to apply sovereignty principles in your own life and recognize the lawful boundaries of government action, ensuring that your fundamental rights remain protected.
Here is the course outline:
1. Foundations of SovereigntyOverview: Introduces the natural chain of authority—God → People → States → Governments—and why the creator always outranks the creation. What you will learn: key course goals, basic vocabulary, and how constitutions delegate limited power. Resources: glossary of sovereignty terms, printable hierarchy chart. 7 sections
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2. The Natural Hierarchy ExplainedOverview: Explores each level of the hierarchy in depth and shows historical court rulings that affirm it. What you will learn: why individual sovereignty precedes state and federal authority, and how creators cannot be lawfully taxed by their creations. Resources: case-law excerpts (Chisholm v. Georgia, McCulloch v. Maryland). 7 sections
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3. Delegated Authority and Genuine ConsentOverview: Dissects the rule that no one can delegate power they do not possess. What you will learn: consent standards, mechanisms of delegation in state and federal constitutions, and how status choices (e.g., taxpayer, citizen) trigger jurisdiction. Resources: delegation flowchart, consent checklist. 7 sections
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4. Natural Law and Constitutional LimitsOverview: Connects natural rights to constitutional boundaries on government. What you will learn: inalienable rights to life, labor, and property; police-power limits; examples of unconstitutional overreach. Resources: Calder v. Bull study sheet, natural-rights matrix. 7 sections
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5. Fiduciary Duty and the Public TrustOverview: Details the trustee–beneficiary relationship between officials and the people. What you will learn: fiduciary obligations, personal liability for ultra-vires acts, and remedies for breach of trust. Resources: fiduciary-duty audit worksheet, key statutes list. 7 sections
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6. Sovereign Immunity and Jurisdiction BoundariesOverview: Explains why sovereigns cannot be sued or regulated without consent and how territorial and subject-matter jurisdiction are divided. What you will learn: doctrine origins, federal vs. state spheres, and comity principles. Resources: jurisdiction map, immunity quick-reference table. 7 sections
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7. Taxation, Income, and the Legal Definition of “Person”Overview: Unpacks constitutional rules for taxation and clarifies who is liable for income tax. What you will learn: apportionment, ‘income’ as corporate gain, and consent-based withholding. Resources: IRC definition sheet, Supreme Court tax rulings digest. 7 sections
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8. Privileges, Franchises, and Voluntary BenefitsOverview: Shows how accepting licenses or benefits waives certain rights. What you will learn: difference between rights and privileges, franchise traps, and strategies for reserving rights. Resources: privilege-vs-right comparison chart, sample reservation-of-rights clauses. 7 sections
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9. Applied Sovereignty: Case Studies and DefensesOverview: Walks through real-world scenarios—licensing demands, tax notices, jurisdictional overreach—and the correct legal responses. What you will learn: spotting unlawful actions, citing controlling authority, and crafting written defenses. Resources: scenario workbook, template response letters. 7 sections
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10. Sovereignty Review and Action PlanOverview: Recaps all major principles and demonstrates how they interconnect. What you will learn: quick-fire self-assessment, common pitfalls, and next steps to safeguard sovereignty. Resources: summary mind map, personal action checklist. 8 sections
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