James Madison Institute
Encyclopedia
The James Madison Institute is a free-market think tank
headquartered in Tallahassee, Florida
in the United States. It is a member of the State Policy Network
.
Their views are that "the Institute's ideas are rooted in a belief in the U.S. Constitution
and such timeless ideals as limited government
, economic freedom
, federalism
, and individual liberty coupled with individual responsibility
."
The Institute achieves its mission through research, conferences and seminars, and a variety of publications.
Since its inception in 1987, the Institute has remained independent, nonprofit, and nonpartisan. It makes no attempt to aid or hinder the passage of legislation, nor does it accept government funds or respond to special pleadings from any sector.
in 1987 by Dr. J. Stanley Marshall , a former President of the Florida State University
The Institute is named after James Madison
, the fourth President of the United States
, Third Secretary of State
, Author of the U.S. Constitution
and co-author of the Federalist Papers
. Notable contributions to the institute have been made by former Governor
Jeb Bush
.
Following its motto, The James Madison Institute advocates policies that advance "individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.” JMI scholars advocate individual responsibility in their policy positions, typically advocating diminished government intervention in domestic, social, and economic policies.
s, JMI receives support from a variety of corporations, but corporations are a relatively minor source of support for the Institute. In fiscal year 2007, for example, corporate donations accounted for only three percent of its budget.
Former Speaker
of the Florida House of Representatives
, Panama City
Founding Chairman, The James Madison Institute, Tallahassee
President
and CEO, The James Madison Institute, Tallahassee
Think tank
A think tank is an organization that conducts research and engages in advocacy in areas such as social policy, political strategy, economics, military, and technology issues. Most think tanks are non-profit organizations, which some countries such as the United States and Canada provide with tax...
headquartered in Tallahassee, Florida
Tallahassee, Florida
Tallahassee is the capital of the U.S. state of Florida. It is the county seat and only incorporated municipality in Leon County, and is the 128th largest city in the United States. Tallahassee became the capital of Florida, then the Florida Territory, in 1824. In 2010, the population recorded by...
in the United States. It is a member of the State Policy Network
State Policy Network
The State Policy Network is a U.S. national network of free-market oriented think tanks focused on individual U.S. states. SPN is based in Arlington, Virginia.-History:SPN was founded in 1992 by Thomas A...
.
Their views are that "the Institute's ideas are rooted in a belief in the U.S. Constitution
United States Constitution
The Constitution of the United States is the supreme law of the United States of America. It is the framework for the organization of the United States government and for the relationship of the federal government with the states, citizens, and all people within the United States.The first three...
and such timeless ideals as limited government
Limited government
Limited government is a government which anything more than minimal governmental intervention in personal liberties and the economy is generally disallowed by law, usually in a written constitution. It is written in the United States Constitution in Article 1, Section 8...
, economic freedom
Economic freedom
Economic freedom is a term used in economic and policy debates. As with freedom generally, there are various definitions, but no universally accepted concept of economic freedom...
, federalism
Federalism
Federalism is a political concept in which a group of members are bound together by covenant with a governing representative head. The term "federalism" is also used to describe a system of the government in which sovereignty is constitutionally divided between a central governing authority and...
, and individual liberty coupled with individual responsibility
Moral responsibility
Moral responsibility usually refers to the idea that a person has moral obligations in certain situations. Disobeying moral obligations, then, becomes grounds for justified punishment. Deciding what justifies punishment, if anything, is a principle concern of ethics.People who have moral...
."
Mission
The Institute's mission is to keep the citizens of Florida informed about their government and to shape our state's future through the advancement of practical free-market ideas on public policy issues.The Institute achieves its mission through research, conferences and seminars, and a variety of publications.
Since its inception in 1987, the Institute has remained independent, nonprofit, and nonpartisan. It makes no attempt to aid or hinder the passage of legislation, nor does it accept government funds or respond to special pleadings from any sector.
History
The Institute was founded in Tallahassee, FloridaTallahassee, Florida
Tallahassee is the capital of the U.S. state of Florida. It is the county seat and only incorporated municipality in Leon County, and is the 128th largest city in the United States. Tallahassee became the capital of Florida, then the Florida Territory, in 1824. In 2010, the population recorded by...
in 1987 by Dr. J. Stanley Marshall , a former President of the Florida State University
Florida State University
The Florida State University is a space-grant and sea-grant public university located in Tallahassee, Florida, United States. It is a comprehensive doctoral research university with medical programs and significant research activity as determined by the Carnegie Foundation...
The Institute is named after James Madison
James Madison
James Madison, Jr. was an American statesman and political theorist. He was the fourth President of the United States and is hailed as the “Father of the Constitution” for being the primary author of the United States Constitution and at first an opponent of, and then a key author of the United...
, the fourth President of the United States
President of the United States
The President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
, Third Secretary of State
Secretary of State
Secretary of State or State Secretary is a commonly used title for a senior or mid-level post in governments around the world. The role varies between countries, and in some cases there are multiple Secretaries of State in the Government....
, Author of the U.S. Constitution
United States Constitution
The Constitution of the United States is the supreme law of the United States of America. It is the framework for the organization of the United States government and for the relationship of the federal government with the states, citizens, and all people within the United States.The first three...
and co-author of the Federalist Papers
Federalist Papers
The Federalist Papers are a series of 85 articles or essays promoting the ratification of the United States Constitution. Seventy-seven of the essays were published serially in The Independent Journal and The New York Packet between October 1787 and August 1788...
. Notable contributions to the institute have been made by former Governor
Governor
A governor is a governing official, usually the executive of a non-sovereign level of government, ranking under the head of state...
Jeb Bush
Jeb Bush
John Ellis "Jeb" Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd Governor of Florida from 1999 to 2007. He is a prominent member of the Bush family: the second son of former President George H. W. Bush and former First Lady Barbara Bush; the younger brother of former President George W...
.
Principles
The James Madison Institute describes its ideas as follows:
The Institute’s ideas are rooted in a belief in the U.S. Constitution and such timeless ideals as limited government, economic freedom, federalism, and individual liberty coupled with individual responsibility.
Publications
The James Madison Institute publishes the periodicals as well as newsletters for its members and people interested in the issues.- The Journal is a quarterly magazine provided to members and supporters of The James Madison Institute, to members of the Florida legislature, and to others who share the Institute’s philosophy. The Journal is intended to keep Floridians informed about their government, to help advance practical public policy solutions, and to recognize individuals who exemplify civic responsibility, character, and service to others in their lives.
- The Backgrounder series evaluates government policies in Florida and offers solutions for reform.
- Madison Policy Digest is a free, weekly e-newsletter that summarizes Florida’s top policy headlines from around the state, complete with topical research and comment by The James Madison Institute.
- Policy Briefs are a series that takes an in-depth look at critical public policy choices and exacts their impact on the state.
- The Point of View series consists of short, topical op-ed pieces distributed to newspapers throughout Florida and nationwide.
- The Messenger is a periodic newsletter that chronicles Institute members and activities.
Education Reform
Whether the issue is curriculum, the school attended, the quality of the faculty, or academic standards and accountability, the Institute believes that parents should have the freedom to make decisions in the best interests of their children.Energy and the Environment
The Institute believes that a cleaner environment and economic liberty are not mutually exclusive goals. Through private property rights and market incentives, we can encourage good stewardship of natural resources and protect environmental quality.Health Care
The Institute believes that direct personal responsibility for health care controls costs and provides individuals with incentives to make healthy choices. JMI supports market-based, consumer-driven reforms such as health savings accounts (HSAs) as a way to improve the quality of health services and increase access to the uninsured.Property Rights
The Fifth Amendment to the Constitution guarantees that property rights are as basic to freedom as any of the other fundamental rights; yet, the rights of landowners are often trampled by overzealous government regulations and eminent domain abuses. The Institute believes that “property” does not simply mean “land” and maintains that all forms of self-ownership should be preserved.Taxation/Budget
Various Institute studies have shown that economic growth varies inversely with tax growth and that, dollar-for-dollar, private sector activity is more productive than public sector activity. Since taxes crowd out the more productive market activity, JMI supports reforms that emphasize low tax rates and less government spending.Constitutional and Legal Issues
The Institute believes in James Madison’s greatest legacy—the U.S. Constitution—and its ideas of limited government, enumerated powers, minority rights, and the dangers of faction.Other Issues
The Institute champions limited, representative government as a way to protect individual freedom. JMI works to combat the influence of career politicians and regulatory constraints that corrupt Florida’s political processFollowing its motto, The James Madison Institute advocates policies that advance "individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.” JMI scholars advocate individual responsibility in their policy positions, typically advocating diminished government intervention in domestic, social, and economic policies.
Funding
The James Madison Institute is classified as a 501(c)(3) organization under U.S. Internal Revenue Code. The Institute performs no contract research and does not accept government funding. For revenue, the Institute is largely dependent on private contributions.Corporate support
Like many think tankThink tank
A think tank is an organization that conducts research and engages in advocacy in areas such as social policy, political strategy, economics, military, and technology issues. Most think tanks are non-profit organizations, which some countries such as the United States and Canada provide with tax...
s, JMI receives support from a variety of corporations, but corporations are a relatively minor source of support for the Institute. In fiscal year 2007, for example, corporate donations accounted for only three percent of its budget.
In the news
- Vice President Dick CheneyDick CheneyRichard Bruce "Dick" Cheney served as the 46th Vice President of the United States , under George W. Bush....
has been one of the Institute's many well known guest speakers. The Vice President spoke to the Institute in Orlando on June 14, 2004, a week after PresidentPresidentA president is a leader of an organization, company, trade union, university, or country.Etymologically, a president is one who presides, who sits in leadership...
Ronald ReaganRonald ReaganRonald Wilson Reagan was the 40th President of the United States , the 33rd Governor of California and, prior to that, a radio, film and television actor....
's death.
Policy Scholars
- Dr. J. Robert McClure III, President and CEO
- Robert Sanchez, Director of Public Policy
- Tanja Clendinen, Director of Communication
- Thomas Perrin, Director of Public Affairs
- Francisco Gonzalez, Director of Development
Research Advisory Council
- Dr. Susan Aud, Research Associate, Milton and Rose Friedman Foundation
- Dr. Michael Bond, Professor of Economics, Cleveland State UniversityCleveland State UniversityCleveland State University is a public university located in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. It was established in 1964 when the state of Ohio assumed control of Fenn College, and it absorbed the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in 1969...
- Dr. Marshall DeRosa, Professor of Political Science, Florida Atlantic UniversityFlorida Atlantic UniversityFlorida Atlantic University, also referred to as FAU or Florida Atlantic, is a public, coeducational, research university located in , United States. The university has six satellite campuses located in the Florida cities of Dania Beach, Davie, Fort Lauderdale, Jupiter, Port St. Lucie, and in Fort...
- Dr. Thomas DiBacco, Professor Emeritus of History, American UniversityAmerican UniversityAmerican University is a private, Methodist, liberal arts, and research university in Washington, D.C. The university was chartered by an Act of Congress on December 5, 1892 as "The American University", which was approved by President Benjamin Harrison on February 24, 1893...
- Dr. Dino Falaschetti, Associate Professor of Law & Economics, Florida State University College of LawFlorida State University College of LawFlorida State University College of Law is the law school of Florida State University in Tallahassee. The law school's highly accomplished and accessible law faculty delivers a program that has an interdisciplinary orientation designed to produce well-rounded and effective lawyers.The law school...
- Dr. James Gwartney, Professor of Economics, Florida State UniversityFlorida State UniversityThe Florida State University is a space-grant and sea-grant public university located in Tallahassee, Florida, United States. It is a comprehensive doctoral research university with medical programs and significant research activity as determined by the Carnegie Foundation...
- Dr. Wynton Hall, Professor of Speech Communication, Bainbridge CollegeBainbridge CollegeBainbridge College is a 2-year, Community College in the University System of Georgia. For more than 30 years, Bainbridge College has provided higher education to the residents of southwest Georgia...
- Dr. Bradley K. Hobbs, Professor of Free Enterprise, Florida Gulf Coast UniversityFlorida Gulf Coast UniversityFlorida Gulf Coast University, also known as FGCU, is a coeducational public university located just south of the Southwest Florida International Airport in the South Fort Myers region of unincorporated Lee County, Florida, United States. The university belongs to the 11-campus State University...
- Dr. Randall Holcombe, Professor of Economics, Florida State UniversityFlorida State UniversityThe Florida State University is a space-grant and sea-grant public university located in Tallahassee, Florida, United States. It is a comprehensive doctoral research university with medical programs and significant research activity as determined by the Carnegie Foundation...
- Dr. Barry Poulson, Professor of Economics, University of ColoradoUniversity of Colorado at BoulderThe University of Colorado Boulder is a public research university located in Boulder, Colorado...
- J.B. Ruhl, J.D., Professor of Law, Florida State University College of LawFlorida State University College of LawFlorida State University College of Law is the law school of Florida State University in Tallahassee. The law school's highly accomplished and accessible law faculty delivers a program that has an interdisciplinary orientation designed to produce well-rounded and effective lawyers.The law school...
- Peter SchweizerPeter SchweizerPeter Schweizer is a conservative author and a research fellow at Stanford University's Hoover Institution.Schweizer's book Do as I Say : Profiles in Liberal Hypocrisy received praise from conservative political pundits including Bill O'Reilly. Schweizer's book Reagan's War was the basis of the...
, Author and Speaker - James M. Taylor, J.D., Senior Fellow of Environmental Policy, Heartland InstituteHeartland InstituteThe Heartland Institute is a libertarian, American public policy think tank based in Chicago, Illinois which advocates free market policies. The Institute is designated as a 501 non-profit by the Internal Revenue Service and advised by a 15 member board of directors, which meets quarterly. As of...
Board of Directors
As of June 2010:- Allan G. BenseAllan BenseAllan G. Bense is a businessman from Panama City, Florida. He is a partner in several companies with interests in road building, mechanical contracting, insurance, general contracting, golf courses, and farming....
, Chairman,
Former Speaker
Speaker (politics)
The term speaker is a title often given to the presiding officer of a deliberative assembly, especially a legislative body. The speaker's official role is to moderate debate, make rulings on procedure, announce the results of votes, and the like. The speaker decides who may speak and has the...
of the Florida House of Representatives
Florida House of Representatives
The Florida House of Representatives is the lower house of the Florida Legislature, the state legislature of the U.S. state of Florida. The House is composed of 120 members representing an equal number of districts, with each district having an average population of 156,677.The House convenes at...
, Panama City
Panama City
Panama is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Panama. It has a population of 880,691, with a total metro population of 1,272,672, and it is located at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, in the province of the same name. The city is the political and administrative center of the...
- J. Stanley Marshall, Vice-Chairman
Founding Chairman, The James Madison Institute, Tallahassee
- J. Robert McClure III, Ex-Officio
President
President
A president is a leader of an organization, company, trade union, university, or country.Etymologically, a president is one who presides, who sits in leadership...
and CEO, The James Madison Institute, Tallahassee
- Glen Blauch, Naples
- T.E. "Tommy" Bronson, Business Leader, BrooksvilleBrooksville, FloridaBrooksville is an incorporated city in Hernando County, Florida, in the United States. It is the county seat of Hernando County. It is a suburban city included in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
- J.F. Bryan, Business Leader, Jacksonville
- Charles E. “Chuck” Cobb, Miami
- Rebecca Walter Dunn, Civic Leader, St. Petersburg
- George W. Gibbs III, Chairman and CEO, Atlantic Marine Holding Company, Jacksonville
- L. Charles Hilton, Jr., Businessman and Civic Leader, Hilton Enterprises, Inc., Panama CityPanama CityPanama is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Panama. It has a population of 880,691, with a total metro population of 1,272,672, and it is located at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, in the province of the same name. The city is the political and administrative center of the...
- John Hrabusa, Vice President, Human Resources, Publix Super Markets, LakelandLakeland, FloridaLakeland is a city in Polk County, Florida, United States, located approximately midway between Tampa and Orlando along Interstate 4. According to the 2008 U.S. Census Bureau estimate, the city had a population of 94,406...
- John F. Kirtley, Co-founder, FCP Investors, TampaTâmpaTâmpa may refer to several villages in Romania:* Tâmpa, a village in Băcia Commune, Hunedoara County* Tâmpa, a village in Miercurea Nirajului, Mureş County* Tâmpa, a mountain in Braşov city...
- Fred Leonhardt, Attorney, Gray Robinson, OrlandoOrlando, FloridaOrlando is a city in the central region of the U.S. state of Florida. It is the county seat of Orange County, and the center of the Greater Orlando metropolitan area. According to the 2010 US Census, the city had a population of 238,300, making Orlando the 79th largest city in the United States...
- Susan Story, President and CEO, Southern Company, PensacolaPensacolaPensacola is a city in the western part of the U.S. state of Florida.Pensacola may also refer to:* Pensacola people, a group of Native Americans* A number of places in the Florida:** Pensacola Bay** Pensacola Regional Airport...
- Jeffrey V. Swain. Owner, Performance Video, Tallahassee
Famous staff and faculty
- Jeb BushJeb BushJohn Ellis "Jeb" Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd Governor of Florida from 1999 to 2007. He is a prominent member of the Bush family: the second son of former President George H. W. Bush and former First Lady Barbara Bush; the younger brother of former President George W...
,ex-board member, former Governor of Florida, - J. Stanley Marshall, founding Chairman and Former president of Florida State UniversityFlorida State UniversityThe Florida State University is a space-grant and sea-grant public university located in Tallahassee, Florida, United States. It is a comprehensive doctoral research university with medical programs and significant research activity as determined by the Carnegie Foundation...