The Classical Foundations of the American Constitution: Prevailing Wisdom - Hardcover

Bederman, David J.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521885361 ISBN 13: 9780521885362

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2008

Synopsis

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.

About this title

About the Author

David J. Bederman is a professor of law at Emory University's School of Law in Atlanta, Georgia. He has written extensively on the classical analogies of contemporary international and constitutional law.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521885361
• ISBN 13: 9780521885362
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 352