A Defence of the Constitutions of Government of the United States of America Hardcover - 2001 - 3rd Edition

From the publisher

Adams' study of constitutions and governments that influenced the Founders. Originally published: Philadelphia: Printed by Budd and Bartram, for William Corbett, 1797. 3 Vols. xxxiii, 392; [4], 451; [4], 546 pp. Reprint of the final authorial edition published in Philadelphia during Adams' [1735-1826] presidency. This important study of various constitutions and models of republics, both ancient and modern, played an important role in the development of American political theory. Written as a series of letters defending limited government, written constitutions and other aspects of American political and legal institutions, it calls for a doctrine of the separation of powers, a system of checks and balances, and a legislature of two houses. The work's timely publication and thesis influenced the delegates to the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and the framers of several post-Revolutionary state constitutions. Written and originally published in London in 1787 while Adams was serving at the Court of King James, thus the first edition was published in London. This work did much to familiarize Europeans with the political developments taking place in America. Adams intended the Defence to be a one-volume work. He added two more volumes in 1787 and 1788 to offer more examples and address issues raised by critics. With a list of subscribers that includes senators, congressmen and other distinguished statesmen. John Adams[1735-1826], a Founding Father of the United States and author of the constitution of Massachusetts, served as the second President of the United States (1797-1801), after serving as the first Vice President under President George Washington (1789-1797).