1.

Record Nr.

UNINA9910458096303321

Autore

Bederman David J.

Titolo

The classical foundations of the American Constitution : prevailing wisdom / / David J. Bederman [[electronic resource]]

Pubbl/distr/stampa

Cambridge : , : Cambridge University Press, , 2008

ISBN

1-107-18652-8

1-281-37050-9

9786611370503

0-511-39411-X

0-511-51148-5

0-511-39476-4

0-511-39201-X

0-511-39080-7

0-511-39332-6

Descrizione fisica

1 online resource (xiii, 337 pages) : digital, PDF file(s)

Disciplina

342.7302/4

Soggetti

Political science - Greece - History

Constitutional history - United States

United States Politics and government 1783-1789

United States Intellectual life 18th century

Lingua di pubblicazione

Inglese

Formato

Materiale a stampa

Livello bibliografico

Monografia

Note generali

Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 05 Oct 2015).

Nota di bibliografia

Includes bibliographical references (p. 233-323) and index.

Nota di contenuto

The framers' classical education and world view -- Classical political models and the founders -- Constitution-making and ancient history -- Modern resonances -- The classical constitution.

Sommario/riassunto

The framers of the American Constitution were substantially influenced by ancient history and classical political theory, as exemplified by their education, the availability of classical readings, and their inculcation in classical republican values. This volume explores how the framing generation deployed classical learning to develop many of the essential structural aspects of the Constitution: federalism, separation of powers, a bicameral legislature, independent courts, and the war and foreign relations powers. Also examined are very contemporary constitutional



debates, for which there were classical inspirations, including sovereign immunity, executive privilege, line-item vetoes, and the electoral college. Combining techniques of intellectual history, classical studies, and constitutional interpretation, this book makes a unique contribution to our understanding of contemporary constitutionalism.