The Meaning of America

Examination of American political thought, concentrating on the founding debate, the development of Lincoln's thought and the Civil War, and Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America. Topics include the Puritan origins of America, the meaning of and the relationship between our founding documents, the challenges posed by the Anti-Federalists, the defense of the large republic in The Federalist, the role of religion in American life, the problems presented by slavery, the proper role of a democratic statesman, and Tocqueville's hopes and worries about liberal democratic society and government (especially its American variant).. Recommendations: One of the following: PS 41, 42, or permission of instructor.