Founding American Principles: American Constitutional Tradition
Through History March 8-10, 2013 The United States Constitution
was an innovation in many respects, but innovations do not occur
in a vacuum. The Framers of the Constitution sought to
incorporate the best of the history and theory of republican
government into their new plan. Yet they did not allow this
"decent regard" for antiquity or custom "to overrule the
suggestions of their own good sense, the knowledge of their own
situation, and the lessons of their own experience" (Federalist
14). The Constitution is a work of political prudence: a union
of sound theoretical principles combined with a sober appraisal
of America's unique circumstances. This seminar explores the
founding principles of the American Constitution, how these
principles informed the making of the Constitution, and how they
have been subsequently interpreted and applied.