How Capitalistic is the Constitution?Second in a three-part series designed to help prepare the nation for a thoughtful observance of the Constitutional bicentennial, this publication contains seven essays on the topic of capitalism and the Constitution. "American Democracy and the Acquisitive Spirit" (Marc F. Plattner) supports the argument that the framers of the Constitution established an essentially capitalistic government. "Class Rule under the Constitution" (Edward S. Greenberg) analyzes how the Constitution has adjusted to changing circumstances and forms of capitalism. "The Constitution and Hamiltonian Capitalism" (Forrest McDonald) argues that the Constitution was not originally designed to establish capitalism but that constitutional government and capitalism became intertwined at the outset. "The Constitution, Capitalism, and the Need for Rationalized Regulation" (Walter Dean Burnham) looks at the nature of the link between the structure and functioning of the American political regime and the corresponding economic structure. In "The Constitution and the Protection of Capitalism" (Bernard H. Siegan), it is argued that the current judicial policy fails to substantially secure material liberties and runs contrary to the original intent of the Constitution. "Capitalism or Democracy" (Robert Lekachman) examines the conflict between political equality and economic opportunity. "The Constitution and the Spirit of Commerce" (Stephen Miller) looks at the "Federalist Papers" to interpret contemporary politics. (LP) |
Contents
222 | 22 |
The Constitution and Hamiltonian Capitalism | 49 |
5 | 81 |
The Constitution and the Protection of Capitalism | 106 |
Capitalism or Democracy | 127 |
The Constitution and the Spirit of Commerce | 148 |
The Editors and the Authors | 171 |
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activity Adam Smith Alexander Hamilton American Enterprise Institute American political argued authors benefits capitalism capitalist century citizens civil commerce competition Congress conservatives Constitutional Convention contract clause corporate created crisis debate delegates democracy democratic dominant class due process economic freedom effect enterprise factions Federalist feudal Fourteenth Amendment framers groups growth Hume Ibid important income individual industry inequality institutions interests James Madison Jefferson John Charles Daly John Locke justice labor laissez-faire large republic legislation legislature liberal liberty limited Louis Hartz major means ment Montesquieu national government opinion organized parties percent political economy private property production protection public debt public policy radical regime republican sector self-interest Smith social society struggle Supreme Court theory tion traditional U.S. Constitution United University Press virtue Walter Dean Burnham wealth Werner Sombart York