Separation of powers protects freedom
North Carolin's constitution states that “legislative, executive, and supreme judicial powers of the state government shall be forever separate and distinct from each other.” Read More
NC SPIN Posts by John Hood
Racial preferences are gone. Now what?
In the short term, then, there will be somewhat of a redistribution of students within higher education. The long-term consequences are harder to predict, however. Read More
To boost downtowns, make them safer
Only five states — Idaho, Tennessee, Florida, Nevada, and Texas — enjoyed faster growth in gross domestic product than we did. Read More
On tax reform, set firm priorities
Since 2010, state legislators have substantially reduced income and sales taxes. They have pursued audacious tax reform without abandoning fiscal prudence. and should stick with it. Read More
Oh, let him build his pirate ship
If there were a pirate-ship building would you stop to check it out? Read More
Elections bill ignores state constitution
The administration of elections is an inherently executive function and the legislature's Senate Bill 749 is a violation of the separation of powers. Read More
State ranks poorly on remote taxes
If you live in one state but earn income from clients in another state you are obligated to pay tax to North Carolina. Read More
Carolina lawmakers split on debt deal
Unless elected officials reform entitlements their claim to care about federal debt shouldn’t be taken seriously. Read More
Legislative appointment bill goes too far
Our state Constitution provides for a separation of powers, but the current legislation makes it muddier. Read More
Good policy doesn't require certainty
It requires the application of a discrete number of clearly articulated rules to a large number of fuzzy, ever-evolving cases, along with healthy doses of humility and flexibility. Read More
