Historical and Philosophical Foundation of American Democracy

FAIN: FS-10136-75

Princeton University (Princeton, NJ 08540-5228)
Paul E. Sigmund (Project Director: January 1975 to present)

In order to understand the historical and philosophical factors which influenced the theory embodied in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, the seminar will trace the course of the idea of self-government under law from its inception in fifth century Greece to the ideas and institutions of colonial America. Opposing ideas will be analyzed as well as those which were incorporated into the mainstream of American political thought. The seminar will conclude with an examination of contemporary criticisms of constitutional democracy.