The Oldest Constitutional Question: Enumeration and Federal Power
Language: English
Published by Harvard University Press, 2026
- Softcover
- New
Seller: Kennys Bookstore, Olney, MD, U.S.A.Kennys Bookstore
AbeBooks seller since October 9, 2009
Condition: New
£ 55.78
Quantity: Over 20 available
Add to basketSeller Inventory # V9780674306172
- Title
- The Oldest Constitutional Question: Enumeration and Federal Power
- Author
- Primus, Richard
- Publisher
- Harvard University Press
- Publication year
- 2026
- Condition
- New
- Binding
- Soft cover
- Language
- English
- ISBN 10
- 0674306171
- ISBN 13
- 9780674306172
Every law student learns that the federal government is constrained to act only according to its enumerated powers, meaning that Congress can do what the Constitution expressly authorizes it to and nothing more. Yet Richard Primus contends that this longstanding orthodoxy—allegedly required by the text of the Constitution, the Framers’ vision, and the logic of federalism—is fundamentally flawed.
Through careful analysis of legal text and history, and of the structure of American federalism, The Oldest Constitutional Question argues for broad congressional authority. In particular, Primus shows that the primary function of enumeration is to rule listed powers in, not to rule other powers out.
In practice, enumeration does little to limit Congress. But most constitutional lawyers—including many Supreme Court justices—think this means something has gone wrong, such that the courts must aggressively strike down federal laws. Primus’s meticulous examination explodes the prevailing view. The constitutional system does place limits on Congress, and crucially so, but the enumeration of powers is not, and never has been, a sensible means for creating and enforcing those limits.
"Synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author
"About the title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Kennys Bookstore
Olney, MD, U.S.A.
AbeBooks seller since October 9, 2009
Shipping rates within U.S.A.
| Item | 14 to 20 business days | 13 to 14 business days |
|---|---|---|
| First item | £ 7.88 | £ 15.76 |
Payment methods
Store description
We carry a comprehensive range of out of print and rare books.
Specialty
Revolution, War, Peace, Irish StudiesSeller's business information
Kennys Bookshop and Art Galleries (Holdings) Limited
Liosbán Retail Park, Tuam Road
Galway, Ireland H91 N5P8
Terms of sale
We guarantee the condition of every book as it's described on the Abebooks websites.
If you're dissatisfied with your purchase (Incorrect Book/Not as Described/Damaged) or if the order hasn't arrived, you're eligible for a refund within 30 days of the estimated delivery date.
For any queries please use the contact seller link or send an email to books@kennys.ie
Conor Kenny
Right of withdrawal
If you are a consumer you can withdraw from the contract in accordance with the following. Consumer means any natural person who is acting for purposes which are outside his trade, business, craft or profession.
Information regarding the right of withdrawal
Statutory right to withdraw
You have the right to withdraw from this contract within 14 days without giving any reason.
The withdrawal period will expire after 14 days from the day on which you acquire, or a third party other than the carrier and indicated by you acquires, physical possession of the last good or the last lot or piece.
To exercise the right of withdrawal, electronically fill in and submit a clear statement on our website, under "My Purchases" in "My Account". We will communicate to you an acknowledgement of receipt of such a withdrawal on a durable medium (e.g. by e-mail) without delay.
To meet the withdrawal deadline, it is sufficient for you to send your communication concerning your exercise of the right of withdrawal before the withdrawal period has expired.
Effects of withdrawal
If you withdraw from this contract, we will reimburse to you all payments received from you, including the costs of delivery (except for the supplementary costs arising if you chose a type of delivery other than the least expensive type of standard delivery offered by us).
We may make a deduction from the reimbursement for loss in value of any goods supplied, if the loss is the result of unnecessary handling by you.
We will make the reimbursement without undue delay, and not later than 14 days after the day on which we are informed about your decision to withdraw from this contract.
We will make the reimbursement using the same means of payment as you used for the initial transaction, unless you have expressly agreed otherwise; in any event, you will not incur any fees as a result of such reimbursement.
We may withhold reimbursement until we have received the goods back, or you have supplied evidence of having sent back the goods, whichever is the earliest.
You shall send back the goods or hand them over to Kennys Bookstore, Olney, Maryland, U.S.A., without undue delay and in any event not later than 14 days from the day on which you communicate your withdrawal from this contract to us. The deadline is met if you send back the goods before the period of 14 days has expired. You will have to bear the direct cost of returning the goods. You are only liable for any diminished value of the goods resulting from the handling other than what is necessary to establish the nature, characteristics and functioning of the goods.
Exceptions to the right of withdrawal
The right of withdrawal does not apply to:
- The delivery of newspapers, journals or magazines with the exception of subscription contracts; and
- The supply of digital content which is not supplied on a tangible medium (e.g. on a CD or DVD) if you accepted when you placed your order that we could start to deliver it, and that you could not withdraw once delivery had started.
Shipping terms
All books securely packaged. Some books ship from Ireland.