The Influence of Natural Law Doctrines in the Foundation and Development of the American Political Systems

FAIN: FR-10310-78

Mary C. Segers
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark (Newark, NJ 07104-3010)

Study consists of a program of intensive reading and research to explore the influence of natural law doctrines of limited government and inalienable rights in the foundation and development of the American polity. Project has three parts: (1) an examination of the influence of particular natural law theorists upon the American colonists and founding fathers; (2) an investigation of how natural law notions have been incorporated into the operation of the American political system; and (3) an examination of the influence of natural rights doctrines upon American theory and practice.