Title
The Origins of American Constitutionalism (Bibliographies in the History of),New
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In The Origins of American Constitutionalism, Donald S. Lutz challenges the prevailing notion that the United States Constitution was either essentially inherited from the British or simply invented by the Federalists in the summer of 1787. His political theory of constitutionalism acknowledges the contributions of the British and the Federalists. Lutz also asserts, however, that the U.S. Constitution derives in form and content from a tradition of American colonial characters and documents of political foundation that began a century and a half prior to 1787.Lutz builds his argument around a close textual analysis of such documents as the Mayflower Compact, the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, the Rode Island Charter of 1663, the first state constitutions, the Declaration of Independence, and the Articles of Confederation. He shows that American Constitutionalism developed to a considerable degree from radical Protestant interpretations of the JudeoChristian tradition that were first secularized into political compacts and then incorporated into constitutions and bills of rights. Over time, appropriations that enriched this tradition included aspects of English common law and English Whig theory. Lutz also looks at the influence of Montesquieu, Locke, Blackstone, and Hume. In addition, he details the importance of Americans' experiences and history to the political theory that produced the Constitution. By placing the Constitution within this broader constitutional system, Lutz demonstrates that the document is the culmination of a long process and must be understood within this context. His argument also offers a fresh view of current controversies over the Framers' intentions, the place of religion in American politics, and citizens' continuing role in the development of the constitutional tradition.
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- Q: What is 'The Origins of American Constitutionalism' about? A: The book explores the historical roots of the U.S. Constitution, arguing that it is derived from a mixture of American colonial documents and British influences rather than being solely inherited or invented.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is Donald S. Lutz, a scholar known for his work on American constitutional history.
- Q: What is the publication date of this book? A: The book was published on October 1, 1988.
- Q: What is the condition of the book? A: The book is classified as a used book in good condition.
- Q: How many pages does this book have? A: The book contains 178 pages.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: This edition of the book is paperback.
- Q: What are some key topics discussed in the book? A: Key topics include the Mayflower Compact, the Declaration of Independence, and the influences of Montesquieu, Locke, and English common law on American constitutionalism.
- Q: Is this book suitable for academic study? A: Yes, it offers in-depth analysis and is suitable for students and scholars interested in American history and political theory.
- Q: Does this book discuss the role of religion in American politics? A: Yes, it examines the influence of the Judeo-Christian tradition on American constitutionalism.
- Q: What makes this book different from other constitutional history texts? A: Lutz provides a unique perspective by emphasizing the long-standing American traditions that contributed to the Constitution, rather than viewing it as a solely British inheritance or Federalist invention.