ENGLISH

Constitutional Faith

By Sanford Levinson

Book information

Publisher
Princeton University Press
Year
2011
ISBN
0691152403, 9780691152400
Language
english
Format
EPUB
Filesize
635 kB (650665 bytes)
Pages
280\0
Topic
Jurisprudence Law
Time added
2018-05-09 17:34:27
United States;African Americans;Civil War;ColonialUsed & Rental Textbooks;Specialty Boutique;ConstitUsed & Rental Textbooks;Specialty Boutique;Politic

Description

This book examines the "constitutional faith" that has, since 1788, been a central component of American "civil religion." By taking seriously the parallel between wholehearted acceptance of the Constitution and religious faith, Sanford Levinson opens up a host of intriguing questions about what it means to be American. While some view the Constitution as the central component of an American religion that serves to unite the social order, Levinson maintains that its sacred role can result in conflict, fragmentation, and even war. To Levinson, the Constitution's value lies in the realm of the discourse it sustains: a uniquely American form of political rhetoric that allows citizens to grapple with every important public issue imaginable. In a new afterword, Levinson looks at the deepening of constitutional worship and attributes the current widespread frustrations with the government to the static nature of the Constitution.

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