In 1790, there were 23 federal crimes. By 2008, there were over 4,450 federal criminal offenses and over 300,000 regulatory offenses that carried a criminal penalty. These regulatory offenses, promulgated not by Congress, but by unelected bureaucrats, generally criminalize everyday business activity not traditionally left under the guise of the criminal justice system, but rather left for civil and administrative remedies. Many of these “crimes” do not require the actor to know he or she has committed an offense, also known as mens rea.
Taxes & Spending
Supermajority Solutions for Texas Taxpayers
Texas bond elections often pass with low voter turnout and simple majorities, driving up local debt as a result. Raising voter approval thresholds could protect taxpayers and ensure a stronger consensus for public spending. Key points: Even though tax relief has been funded at the state level, increased debt at the local level has led...
February 3, 2026