What Did the Constitution Mean to Early Americans? FROM THE PUBLISHER
When the Framers met in Philadelphia during the summer of 1787 they created a document that described the fledging country of colonists as one single, sovereign American people. This declaration--an act of faith even--affected different kinds of Americans in different ways. This volume explores how the "American People" shaped, responded, and debated the document and why historians have difficulties in deciding upon any single meaning that the founding generation of Americans might have held. The Constitution was the product of great skill and artistry; the document's success in forging a government based on the consent of the American People compels us to look at the political discourse of the day so that we may better understand the Constitution's inception, its wording, and its legacy.
FROM THE CRITICS
Booknews
Reprints five recent essays exploring what the political issues were in 1787, whether the Framers were counter-revolutionaries, what the Federalists achieved, whether the Constitution created a republic of white men, and whether we can know the original intent of the Framers. In addition to providing information and insights on a particular subject, the anthology demonstrates to student historians the kinds of approaches and methods the profession calls for. No index. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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