A Machine That Would Go of Itself

The Constitution in American Culture

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Anthropology, History
Cover of the book A Machine That Would Go of Itself by Russell Fraser, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Russell Fraser ISBN: 9781351534932
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: July 12, 2017
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Russell Fraser
ISBN: 9781351534932
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: July 12, 2017
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

In this volume, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Michael Kammen explores the U.S. Constitution's place in the public consciousness and its role as a symbol in American life, from ratification in 1788 to our own time. As he examines what the Constitution has meant to the American people (perceptions and misperceptions, uses and abuses, knowledge and ignorance), Kammen shows that although there are recurrent declarations of reverence most of us neither know nor fully understand our Constitution. How did this gap between ideal and reality come about? To explain it, Kammen examines the complex and contradictory feelings about the Constitution that emerged during its preparation and that have been with us ever since. He begins with our confusion as to the kind of Union we created, especially with regard to how much sovereignty the states actually surrendered to the central government. This confusion is the source of the constitutional crisis that led to the Civil War and its aftermath. Kammen also describes and analyzes changing perceptions of the differences and similarities between the British and American constitutions; turn-of-the-century debates about states' rights versus national authority; and disagreements about how easy or difficult it ought to be to amend the Constitution. Moving into the twentieth century, he notes the development of a "cult of the Constitution" following World War I, and the conflict over policy issues that persisted despite a shared commitment to the Constitution.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In this volume, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Michael Kammen explores the U.S. Constitution's place in the public consciousness and its role as a symbol in American life, from ratification in 1788 to our own time. As he examines what the Constitution has meant to the American people (perceptions and misperceptions, uses and abuses, knowledge and ignorance), Kammen shows that although there are recurrent declarations of reverence most of us neither know nor fully understand our Constitution. How did this gap between ideal and reality come about? To explain it, Kammen examines the complex and contradictory feelings about the Constitution that emerged during its preparation and that have been with us ever since. He begins with our confusion as to the kind of Union we created, especially with regard to how much sovereignty the states actually surrendered to the central government. This confusion is the source of the constitutional crisis that led to the Civil War and its aftermath. Kammen also describes and analyzes changing perceptions of the differences and similarities between the British and American constitutions; turn-of-the-century debates about states' rights versus national authority; and disagreements about how easy or difficult it ought to be to amend the Constitution. Moving into the twentieth century, he notes the development of a "cult of the Constitution" following World War I, and the conflict over policy issues that persisted despite a shared commitment to the Constitution.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Ancient Taboos and Gender Prejudice by Russell Fraser
Cover of the book Theological Approaches to Qur'anic Exegesis by Russell Fraser
Cover of the book Human Resource Management by Russell Fraser
Cover of the book The Differentiated Politicisation of European Governance by Russell Fraser
Cover of the book Policy and Politics in Teacher Education by Russell Fraser
Cover of the book The Psychoanalysis of Sexual Functions of Women by Russell Fraser
Cover of the book UNESCO Without Borders by Russell Fraser
Cover of the book The Chinese Journals of L.K. Little, 1943–54 by Russell Fraser
Cover of the book India and China in the Colonial World by Russell Fraser
Cover of the book Parking and the City by Russell Fraser
Cover of the book International Justice: Principles and Issues by Russell Fraser
Cover of the book Building the Integrated Company by Russell Fraser
Cover of the book The Diversity Machine by Russell Fraser
Cover of the book New Unions, New Workplaces by Russell Fraser
Cover of the book Vision and Difference by Russell Fraser
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy