The Essential Debate on the Constitution: Federalist and Antifederalist Speeches and Writings Contributor(s): Bailyn, Bernard (Editor), Allison, Robert (Editor) |
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ISBN: 1598535838 ISBN-13: 9781598535839 Publisher: Library of America
WE WILL NOT BE UNDERSOLD! Click here for our low price guarantee Binding Type: Paperback - See All Available Formats & Editions Published: October 2018 |
Additional Information |
BISAC Categories: - History | United States - Revolutionary Period (1775-1800) - Political Science | American Government - General - Law | Constitutional |
Dewey: 324.730 |
LCCN: 2018936418 |
Physical Information: 1.1" H x 4.9" W x 7.8" L (1.00 lbs) 512 pages |
Themes: - Chronological Period - 18th Century |
Features: Bibliography, Index, Price on Product |
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
Publisher Description: Return to the nation's founding to rediscover the dramatic original debates--on presidential power, religious liberty, foreign corruption, and more--that still shape our world today When the Constitutional Convention adjourned on September 17, 1787, few Americans anticipated the document that emerged from its secret proceedings. James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and the other framers had fashioned something radically new, a strong national government with broad powers. A fierce storm of argument soon broke out in advance of the state ratifying conventions that would decide the new plan's fate as Federalist supporters, Antifederalist opponents, and seekers of a middle ground praised, condemned, challenged, and analyzed the new Constitution. Here, in chronological order, are more than sixty newspaper articles, pamphlets, speeches, and private letters written or delivered during this ratification debate. Along with familiar figures such as Madison, Hamilton, and Patrick Henry, are dozens of lesser-known but equally engaged and passionate participants. The most famous writings of the period--especially the key Federalist essays--are placed in context alongside the arguments of insightful Antifederalists such as Brutus and the Federal Farmer. Crucial issues quickly take center stage--the need for a Bill of Rights, the controversial compromises over slavery and the slave trade, whether religious tests should be imposed--and on questions that continue to engage and divide Americans: the relationship between the national government and the states, the dangers of unchecked presidential power and the remedy of impeachment, the proper role of the Supreme Court, fears of foreign and domestic corruption, and the persistent challenge of making representative government work in a large and diverse nation. |
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