Constitutionalism and Liberty - by Anthony D Bartl & Jordan T Cash (Hardcover)

About the Book

This collection of essays explores the relationship between liberty and constitutionalism in American politics, constitutional law, and political theory. Honoring the work of political scientist David K. Nichols, it is a testament to Nichols's influence and explores a wide array of subjects across the discipline of political science.

Book Synopsis

Constitutionalism and Liberty: Essays in Honor of David K. Nichols explores the relationship between liberty and constitutionalism in American politics and political theory, and is organized around the question of how human liberty is preserved and advanced while empowering government to have the necessary authority to effectively govern society. The essays themselves are divided into three areas reflecting the breadth and diversity of David K. Nichols's scholarship. The first assesses how we should understand separation of powers and checks and balances in the American constitutional system. The second area treats different aspects of American legal practice and jurisprudence, including the powers and role of the American judiciary philosophically and institutionally as well as questions of administrative power, civil rights, parental rights, and symbolic speech. The final section examines a range of issues in political philosophy and theory, including two chapters on the intersection of political theory with literature and art. The array of subjects covered by these chapters is a testament to the broad influence of Nichols' teaching and scholarship, and to the widening interest in aspects of American politics, constitutional law, and political theory that cross traditional barriers in political science.

Review Quotes

"No one acquainted with the scholarship and pedagogy of David Nichols would expect anything other than excellence from the students and colleagues who have benefited from his friendship, guidance, and instruction. Even with those high expectations, however, the essays in this volume are enormously impressive in their insight, their fluency, and their unrivaled command of political philosophy, American political thought, and American constitutional studies. They form a worthy tribute to an inspiring figure and steadfast friend." --David Clinton, Baylor University

"This collection of essays in honor of David Nichols, assembled by distinguished scholars from many different institutions, is a fitting tribute to Professor Nichols's legacy, and an excellent volume in its own right. Just as Professor Nichols's work spanned many different subjects and informed our thinking on all of them, these essays cover diverse topics with care and precision. Scholars of political theory, American political institutions, constitutional law, and politics and literature will find interesting and novel insights in these pages." --Joseph Postell, Hillsdale College

"In the breadth of their coverage and the richness of their insights, these excellent essays are a fitting tribute to the teaching and scholarly career of David Nichols. Like the lifelong contribution of the authors' teacher, colleague, and friend, they enrich our understanding of the foundations and development of, what Lincoln called, 'the last best hope of earth.'" --Joseph M. Bessette, Alice Tweed Tuohy Professor of Government and Ethics Emeritus, Claremont McKenna College

"This artfully arranged collection of erudite and penetrating essays is a fitting tribute to the work of the great scholar and teacher to whom it is dedicated: David K. Nichols. More than that, it is essential reading for anyone seriously interested in the institutional, cultural, moral, and philosophical conditions necessary for the perpetuation of the American experiment in the politics of ordered liberty." --Carson Holloway

About the Author

Anthony D. Bartl is professor in the department of political science and philosophy at Angelo State University.
Jordan T. Cash is assistant professor in political theory and constitutional democracy at James Madison College at Michigan State University.