The Constitution and America's Destiny [Paperback]

This book explains the politics behind the design of the US Constitution.This book explains the politics behind the design of the U.S. Constitution. James Madison diagnosed the nation's problems and proposed a much stronger national government to remedy them, which was met with some opposition from state delegates. By systematically analyzing the way the framers negotiated each provision of the Constitution, forging political compromises about who would govern America, what authority these leaders would have, and how they would use that authority, Robertson reveals the enduring effect of those decisions on American politics past and present.This book explains the politics behind the design of the U.S. Constitution. James Madison diagnosed the nation's problems and proposed a much stronger national government to remedy them, which was met with some opposition from state delegates. By systematically analyzing the way the framers negotiated each provision of the Constitution, forging political compromises about who would govern America, what authority these leaders would have, and how they would use that authority, Robertson reveals the enduring effect of those decisions on American politics past and present.David Brian Robertson explains how the U.S. Constitution emerged from an intense battle between a bold vision for the nation's political future and the tenacious defense of its political present. Given a once-in-a-lifetime chance to alter America's destiny, James Madison laid before the Constitutional Convention a plan for a strong centralized government that could battle for America's long-term interests. But delegates from vulnerable states resisted this plan, seeking instead to maintain state control over most of American life while adding a few more specific powers to the existing government.1. Politics and the constitution; 2. The policy crisis of the 1780s; 3. James Madison's strategy for the constitutional convention; 4. The political landscape of the colĪ