The Founding Fathers could have empowered the federal government to print paper money, a power enjoyed by the Continental Congress under the Articles of Confederation.

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And, before 1917, it was clear that Russia had to be a player in any conceivable continental balance of power.

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Continental policymakers should also be examining whether their national parliamentary systems need a genuine devolution of power and responsibility to the people.

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Picks up a satellite signal within seconds of power up and comes pre-loaded with maps of the continental US, Hawaii, Alaska and Puerto Rico.

ENGADGET: Live at the Sony press preview