The American Reader: A Brief Guide to the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and the Bill of Rights

The three most important documents in American history—expanded and explained. In the centuries since the creation of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States, as well as its Bill of the Rights, the liberties set forth within these documents have faced many challenges, including war, unrest, political debate, and legal disputes. Such trials persist today, but the initial strength of our founding papers—shining as beacons of hope and freedom to America and beyond—continues to stand the test of time. Now, The American Reader provides a brief summary and analysis of these landmark documents: examining constitutional interpretation, specifically originalism vs. living Constitution; exploring the Declaration's "saving principles, " expressed by Frederick Douglass, one of many influential leaders referenced in this concise guide; and more. Also included are noteworthy facts about the founding fathers, a detailed timeline of events, and other fascinating trivia. At a time when our understanding of individual liberties in America is especially imperative, this essential reference puts our country's foundational beliefs into much-needed modern perspective. As a continuation of the older tradition of classical liberalism, libertarian thinking draws on a rich body of thought and scholarship. Contemporary libertarian scholars are continuing that tradition by making substantial contributions to such fields as philosophy, jurisprudence, economics, evolutionary psychology, political theory, and history, in both academia and politics. With more than 300 A-to-Z signed entries written by top scholars, The Encyclopedia of Libertarianism is purposed to be a useful compilation of and introduction to libertarian scholarship. The Encyclopedia starts with an introductory essay offering an extensive historical and thematic overview of key thinkers, events, and publications in the development of libertarian thought. The Reader′s Guide groups content for researchers and students alike, allowing them to study libertarianism topically, biographically, and by public policy issues.Key FeaturesEntries conclude with bibliographies and references for further reading and cross-references to related entries.Each entry provides an introduction to a topic or policy question relevant to libertarianism or a biography of a person who has had an impact on libertarianism.Editors take special care to ensure entries clearly explain libertarian approaches to issues, do not take sides on disputed matters or engage in polemics, and represent the views of all sides fairly and accurately. A collection of the most important documents in American history--expanded and explained. In the centuries since the creation of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and the Bill of the Rights, the liberties set forth within them have faced many challenges--including war, unrest, political debate, and legal disputes. These tests persist today, but the initial strength of our founding documents continues to withstand the test of time, shining as beacons of hope and freedom to America and beyond. Now, The American Reader provides brief summary and analysis of these landmark documents, from examining constitutional interpretation--specifically originalism vs. living Constitution--to exploring the Declaration of Independence's "saving principles"--which were expressed by Frederick Douglass, one of many influential leaders referenced in this concise guide. Also included are noteworthy facts about the founding fathers, a detailed timeline of events, and fascinating trivia. At a time when our understanding of individual liberties in America is imperative, this essential reference puts our country's foundational beliefs in much-needed modern perspective As a continuation of the older tradition of classical liberalism, libertarian thinking draws on a rich body of thought and scholarship. Contemporary libertarian scholars are continuing that tradition by making substantial contributions to such fields as philosophy, jurisprudence, economics, evolutionary psychology, political theory, and history, in both academia and politics. With more than 300 A-to-Z signed entries written by top scholars, The Encyclopedia of Libertarianism is purposed to be a useful compilation of and introduction to libertarian scholarship. The Encyclopedia starts with an introductory essay offering an extensive historical and thematic overview of key thinkers, events, and publications in the development of libertarian thought. The Readers Guide groups content for researchers and students alike, allowing them to study libertarianism topically, biographically, and by public policy issues. Key Features With 100 entries, this handbook highlights the most important topics, issues, questions and debates any student obtaining a degree in the field of education ought to have mastered. The book aims to offer more detail than encyclopedic entries but with less jargon or detail than a journal article or research handbook chapter Editor-in-chief, Ronald Hamowy ; Assistant Editors, Jason Kuznicki, Aaron Steelman ; Consulting Editor, Deirdre Mccloskey ; Founding And Consulting Editor, Jeffrey D. Schultz. A Project Of The Cato Institute. A Sage Reference Publication. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. The Encyclopedia of Libertarianism offers an extensive historical and thematic overview of libertarianism, accompanied by a chronology of key events and publications in the development of libertarian thought