Full Description
This groundbreaking volume shatters many longstanding myths about the Declaration of Independence. Although states-rights advocates have long claimed that the Declaration created thirteen independent nations, Carlton F. W. Larson shows that the Declaration announced the birth of a new nation: the United States of America, a nation governed by an unwritten constitution in which the states were confederated and subject to national authority from the very beginning. Larson counters libertarian claims that the Declaration views government as a necessary evil, demonstrating instead how it embraces constitutionalism, active government, and the rule of law as positive goods. Along the way, Larson debunks other myths, such as the notion that the Declaration is the parchment text enshrined in the National Archives and that it was authored by Thomas Jefferson. By exploring the true meaning of the Declaration of Independence, One Nation Under Law helps us better understand America itself.
Contents
Introduction; Part I. The Document: 1. Where is the Declaration of Independence?; 2, Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?; 3. Is the Declaration of Independence law?; Part II. Creating an American Nation: 4. Text; 5. History; 6. Memory; Part III. Making Government Work: 7. The Importance of government and law; 8. The Structure of government; Part IV. Liberty and Equality: 9. Debating American scripture; Conclusion; Appendix.
