The Origins of American Constitutionalism (Bibliographies in the History of)

Name: The Origins of American Constitutionalism (Bibliographies in the History of)
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Book Synopsis: 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 Rhode 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 Judeo-Christian 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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The Origins of American Constitutionalism is a groundbreaking book that challenges the conventional wisdom surrounding the creation of the United States Constitution. Contrary to popular belief, author Donald S. Lutz argues that the Constitution was not solely a product of the British system or the work of the Federalists in 1787. Instead, Lutz traces the origins of American Constitutionalism back to the colonial period, more than a century before 1787.

What sets this book apart is Lutz's meticulous analysis of key documents and ideas that influenced the development of American Constitutionalism. He explores the Mayflower Compact, the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, the Rhode Island Charter of 1663, as well as the first state constitutions, the Declaration of Independence, and the Articles of Confederation. By examining these texts, Lutz reveals how radical Protestant interpretations of the Judeo-Christian tradition played a crucial role in shaping American political compacts and, ultimately, the Constitution.

Lutz also delves into the influence of notable thinkers such as Montesquieu, Locke, Blackstone, and Hume, highlighting how their ideas contributed to the evolving constitutional tradition. Moreover, he emphasizes the significance of American history and experiences in the formation of the Constitution.

By presenting the Constitution within this broader constitutional system, Lutz provides a fresh perspective on the intentions of the Framers and the ongoing debate surrounding the role of religion in American politics. This book not only enriches our understanding of the Constitution but also invites readers to consider their own impact on the ever-evolving constitutional tradition.

If you want to deepen your knowledge of American Constitutionalism and gain new insights into the origins of the United States Constitution, The Origins of American Constitutionalism is a must-read. Don't miss out on this groundbreaking exploration of our nation's founding principles.

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