Author: John J. Dinan Publisher: University Press of Kansas ISBN: 0700616896 Category : Political Science Languages : en Pages : 447
Book Description
For too long, the American constitutional tradition has been defined solely by the U.S. Constitution drafted in 1787. Yet constitutional debates at the state level open a window on how Americans, in different places and at different times, have chosen to govern themselves. From New Hampshire in 1776 to Louisiana in 1992, state constitutional conventions have served not only as instruments of democracy but also as forums for revising federal principles and institutions. In The American State Constitutional Tradition, John Dinan shows that state constitutions are much more than mere echoes of the federal document. The first comprehensive study of all 114 state constitutional conventions for which there are recorded debates, his book shows that state constitutional debates in many ways better reflect the accumulated wisdom of American constitution-makers than do the more traditional studies of the federal constitution. Wielding extraordinary command over a mass of historical detail, Dinan clarifies the alternatives considered by state constitution makers and the reasons for the adoption or rejection of various governing principles and institutions. Among other things, he shows that the states are nearly universal in their rejection of the rigid federal model of the constitutional amendment process, favoring more flexible procedures for constitutional change; they often grant citizens greater direct participation in law-making; they have debated and at times rejected the value of bicameralism; and they have altered the veto powers of both the executive and judicial branches. Dinan also shows that, while the Founders favored a minimalist design and focused exclusively on protecting individuals from government action, state constitution makers have often adopted more detailed constitutions, sometimes specifying positive rights that depend on government action for their enforcement. Moreover, unlike the federal constitution, state constitutions often contain provisions dedicated to the formation of citizen character, ranging from compulsory schooling to the regulation of gambling or liquor. By integrating state constitution making with the federal constitutional tradition, this path-breaking work widens and deepens our understanding of the principles by which we've chosen to govern ourselves.
Author: Westel Woodbury Willoughby Publisher: ISBN: Category : Political science Languages : en Pages : 1132
Book Description
American Political Science Review (APSR) is the longest running publication of the American Political Science Association (APSA). It features research from all fields of political science and contains an extensive book review section of the discipline.
Author: John Patrick Coby Publisher: UNC Press Books ISBN: 1469672278 Category : History Languages : en Pages : 429
Book Description
The Constitutional Convention of 1787 brings to life the debates that most profoundly shaped American government. As representatives to the convention, students must investigate the ideological arguments behind possible structures for a new government and create a new constitution.
Author: Robert D. Miewald Publisher: University of Nebraska Press ISBN: 9780803217928 Category : Political Science Languages : en Pages : 0
Book Description
The Nebraska Constitution is one of the oldest state constitutions in the United States. But it is far from stagnant: the 1875 document has been amended 227 times. Some of those changes were dramatic (such as creating the unicameral legislature) while others have been less so (for example, rearranging the provisions dealing with education in 1970). But all these changes tell a complex story of a lengthy document representing the will of the Nebraska citizenry as it responds to the needs of the day and the controversies of the time. That story is told here. The tools for further research are also provided in an accessible format. This second edition of the only modern, comprehensive reference on the Nebraska Constitution has been completely revised and features an enhanced format, greater coverage of judicial doctrine, and up-to-date information on the latest constitutional amendments and case law. This easy-to-use single-volume guide is a valuable acquisition for any library serving students, scholars, legal professionals, and citizens.
Author: Ira Kipnis Publisher: Haymarket Books ISBN: 9781931859127 Category : History Languages : en Pages : 520
Book Description
"This is the epic story of the struggle to build a mass socialist movement in ragtime America. Kipnis was a brilliant historian, and this is his enduring gift to activists." --Mike Davis A new edition of the out-of-print classic.
Author: John J. Dinan
Author: New Hampshire. Constitutional Convention
Author: William Finley Swindler
Author: University of Chicago. Library
Author: Westel Woodbury Willoughby
Author: Kenneth Evan Schwinn
Author: John Patrick Coby
Author: Robert D. Miewald
Author: Library of Congress. Exchange and Gift Division
Author: Ira Kipnis