Create a new account

It's simple, and free.

Economic Interpretation of the Constitution

An Economic Interpretation of the ConstitutionIn his book An Economic Interpretation of the Constitution of the United States, Charles Beard explores the relationship between economic and political interests that led to the drafting and ratification of the United States Constitution. His thesis is that the Constitution was not the result of democratic and juridical ideals. Rather, it was supported and implemented by certain groups who sought to protect their economic interests. Beard's analysis remains particularly relevant today when the United States seems to be governed by an administration that has stronger ties to corporate and other commercial interests than any administration in recent history. But what is especially intriguing about Beard's historical analysis is its suggestion that the current administration is more of a "return" to history than a departure from it.

Beard begins with a survey of what he calls the three schools of interpretation that have dominated American historical research and generalization (1941, p. 1). He associates the first school with Bancroft, who interpreted American history by reference to the moral imperatives of divine guidance. According to this school the achievements of American national life, which would include the adoption of the federal constitution and the principles it incorporated, were generated through the moral principles of a divine higher power. Beard largely rejects this school, but it is interesting to note that the current U.S. government administration often justifies its actions and enactments by reference to just such moral imperatives from a higher power. This is a particularly interesting fact given that this administration also significantly parallels Beard's own economic interpretation of American constitutional history, as will be discussed in more detail throughout this paper.

The second school Beard calls the Teutonic because it attributes the achievement...

Page 1 of 10 Next >

More on Economic Interpretation of the Constitution...

Loading...
APA     MLA     Chicago
Economic Interpretation of the Constitution. (1969, December 31). In LotsofEssays.com. Retrieved 07:33, March 28, 2024, from https://www.lotsofessays.com/viewpaper/1703199.html