Our Secret Constitution

How Lincoln Redefined American Democracy

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Law, Constitutional, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Politics, History & Theory, History, Americas, United States
Cover of the book Our Secret Constitution by George P. Fletcher, Oxford University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: George P. Fletcher ISBN: 9780190286477
Publisher: Oxford University Press Publication: May 17, 2001
Imprint: Oxford University Press Language: English
Author: George P. Fletcher
ISBN: 9780190286477
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication: May 17, 2001
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Language: English

Americans hate and distrust their government. At the same time, Americans love and trust their government. These contradictory attitudes are resolved by Fletcher's novel interpretation of constitutional history. He argues that we have two constitutions--still living side by side--one that caters to freedom and fear, the other that satisfied our needs for security and social justice. The first constitution came into force in 1789. It stresses freedom, voluntary association, and republican elitism. The second constitution begins with the Gettysburg Address and emphasizes equality, organic nationhood, and popular democracy. These radical differences between our two constitutions explain our ambivalence and self-contradictory attitudes toward government. With September 11 the second constitution--which Fletcher calls the Secret Constitution--has become ascendant. When America is under threat, the nation cultivates its solidarity. It overcomes its fear and looks to government for protection and the pursuit of social justice. Lincoln's messages of a strong government and a nation that must "long endure" have never been more relevant to American politics. "Fletcher's argument has intriguing implications beyond the sweeping subject of this profoundly thought-provoking book."--The Denver Post

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

Americans hate and distrust their government. At the same time, Americans love and trust their government. These contradictory attitudes are resolved by Fletcher's novel interpretation of constitutional history. He argues that we have two constitutions--still living side by side--one that caters to freedom and fear, the other that satisfied our needs for security and social justice. The first constitution came into force in 1789. It stresses freedom, voluntary association, and republican elitism. The second constitution begins with the Gettysburg Address and emphasizes equality, organic nationhood, and popular democracy. These radical differences between our two constitutions explain our ambivalence and self-contradictory attitudes toward government. With September 11 the second constitution--which Fletcher calls the Secret Constitution--has become ascendant. When America is under threat, the nation cultivates its solidarity. It overcomes its fear and looks to government for protection and the pursuit of social justice. Lincoln's messages of a strong government and a nation that must "long endure" have never been more relevant to American politics. "Fletcher's argument has intriguing implications beyond the sweeping subject of this profoundly thought-provoking book."--The Denver Post

More books from Oxford University Press

Cover of the book Vernacular Eloquence by George P. Fletcher
Cover of the book Defending Humanity by George P. Fletcher
Cover of the book Country Music Originals by George P. Fletcher
Cover of the book Faith with Benefits by George P. Fletcher
Cover of the book The New American Militarism : How Americans Are Seduced By War by George P. Fletcher
Cover of the book Regulating the Polluters by George P. Fletcher
Cover of the book Understanding Events by George P. Fletcher
Cover of the book The Oxford Handbook of Memory by George P. Fletcher
Cover of the book Population Health Science by George P. Fletcher
Cover of the book America in 1857 by George P. Fletcher
Cover of the book Jim Crow North by George P. Fletcher
Cover of the book Gaza by George P. Fletcher
Cover of the book Stalin's Citizens by George P. Fletcher
Cover of the book The Man Who Was Thursday : and Related Pieces by George P. Fletcher
Cover of the book The Politics of Drug Violence by George P. Fletcher
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