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'''Treason''' is the act of betraying one's country. Someone who commits an act of treason is known as a '''traitor''', and he has further committed the sin of [[treachery]]. The definition of traitorous "betrayal" is a thorny problem for any free society. Politics in a [[representative democracy]] have been understood in modern times to require a loyal opposition, which means that the concept cannot be too expansive or debate and the life of the mind generally will be chilled. By contrast, a [[totalitarian]] state can simply designate all opposition to the philosophy of the ruling party or the policies of the leader as treason.<ref>For example, gathering opposition research or "dirt" on [[Hillary Clinton]] is not treason. Hillary Clinton is neither the government of the United States nor the American people.</ref> However, in order for the [[executive branch]] to be able to fulfill its duty to protect the polity, it must retain the possibility of pursuing criminal sanctions against domestic enemies of the existing order, at least to the extent they use [[violence]].

'''Treason''' is the act of betraying one's country. Someone who commits an act of treason is known as a '''traitor''', and he has further committed the sin of [[treachery]]. The definition of traitorous "betrayal" is a thorny problem for any free society. Politics in a [[representative democracy]] have been understood in modern times to require a loyal opposition, which means that the concept cannot be too expansive or debate and the life of the mind generally will be chilled. By contrast, a [[totalitarian]] state can simply designate all opposition to the philosophy of the ruling party or the policies of the leader as treason.<ref>For example, gathering opposition research or "dirt" on [[Hillary Clinton]] is not treason. Hillary Clinton is a private citizen. Hillary Clinton is neither the government of the United States nor the American people.</ref> However, in order for the [[executive branch]] to be able to fulfill its duty to protect the polity, it must retain the possibility of pursuing criminal sanctions against domestic enemies of the existing order, at least to the extent they use [[violence]].

In the [[United States]] treason is a federal crime, the only crime provided for in the United States [[Constitution]]. It is defined as levying [[war]] against the United States, adhering to their enemies, or giving their enemies aid and comfort. (U.S. Const. art. 3, section 3, cl. 1). Where treason is made a crime under [[state]] statutes, the definitions often emphasize action directed against state government. ( Cal. Penal Code section 37---treason consists of levying war against the state, adhering to its enemies, or giving enemies aid and comfort)

In the [[United States]] treason is a federal crime, the only crime provided for in the United States [[Constitution]]. It is defined as levying [[war]] against the United States, adhering to their enemies, or giving their enemies aid and comfort. (U.S. Const. art. 3, section 3, cl. 1). Where treason is made a crime under [[state]] statutes, the definitions often emphasize action directed against state government. ( Cal. Penal Code section 37---treason consists of levying war against the state, adhering to its enemies, or giving enemies aid and comfort)