Constitutional Authority Map
Structured database of constitutional positions, authorities, relationships, and compliance tools
Madisonian Separation of Powers Compliance Test • Version 1.0
15
Constitutional Positions
6
Enumerated Powers
6
Check Relationships
3
Compound PSVs
Authority Hierarchy
Constitutional Authority Hierarchy
1Constitution
Supreme Law - all authority derives from here
Only laws made 'in Pursuance thereof' are valid (Art. VI, cl. 2)
2Federal Statutes
Laws enacted by Congress
Must be consistent with constitutional grants and limits
3Administrative Rules
Regulations promulgated by agencies
Cannot exceed statutory authorization
4Internal Policies
Agency/office procedures and guidelines
Cannot expand authority; implement only
All Positions by Authority Tier
Tier 1: Constitution(11)
Tier 2: Statutes(1)
Tier 3: Regulations(2)
The Madisonian Separation of Powers Framework
This tool implements the Madisonian Six-Step Compliance Test framework for analyzing constitutional authority. Each Position of Assigned Power is defined by indivisible Constitutive Conditions. Power Separation Vulnerabilities (PSVs) occur in three tiers:
PRIMARY PSV
Direct usurpation or abdication of an EAP
ENABLING PSV
Law/doctrine permitting improper delegation
SHIELDING PSV
Doctrine blocking remedy for violations
Constitutional Authority Derivation Hierarchy
1
Constitution
Only laws made 'in Pursuance thereof' are valid (Art. VI, cl. 2)
↓
2
Federal Statutes
Must be consistent with constitutional grants and limits
↓
3
Administrative Rules
Cannot exceed statutory authorization
↓
4
Internal Policies
Cannot expand authority; implement only