Tennessee Firearms Assoc. Inc.

There is a critical mass that will exist at some point where the federal government - the "union" of the sovereign States - must realize that it has overstepped. If it does not make that realization and back off, then it has become by definition a power-hungry tyrant.

I believe the Federal Government became a power hungry tyrant in the mid '60s. Once they (Washington power elite) discovered the people had no stomach to do anything but acquiesce they figured they could do just about anything with zero repercussions; and they were correct.

Thank you sir may I have another.

It could also be argued that the ratification of the 16th amendment in 1913 (which authorized income tax) was the beginning of the end. Another might be in 1934 (The National Firearms Act) prohibiting civilians from owning machine guns without special permission from the U.S. Treasury Department. History is fraught with examples of the "Feds" overstepping its authority.
But this subject, like most, is a matter of opinion, viewpoint and perspective. From a Christian perspective I sincerely believe that restricting prayer in schools, constructing the welfare society, legalizing abortion etc. are all results of people doing nothing and allowing the government free reign.