We the People V 2 – Transformation: Transformations: Volume 2

Book Details

• Author: Bruce Ackerman

• Publisher: Belknap Press

• Language: English

• Edition: Revised Edition

• ISBN: 9780674003972

• Pages: 528

• Binding: Paperback

• Package Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.1 inches

About the Book

We the People: Transformations by Bruce Ackerman is a profound exploration of America’s constitutional history, revealing how the seemingly structured process of constitutional change has, in fact, been a revolutionary force since the nation’s inception. In this second volume of his trilogy, Ackerman challenges the conventional view of the Founding Fathers and reveals how their vision for America was anything but conservative, but rather one of constant transformation through moments of radical upheaval.

The book details key turning points in American history, such as the Civil War and Abraham Lincoln’s revolutionary approach to constitutional amendment, which reshaped the nation’s values around liberty and equality. The Great Depression also marked a critical shift as Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal redefined the role of government, facing fierce opposition from the Supreme Court.

Ackerman’s narrative presents a new framework for understanding constitutional development, arguing that America’s "dualist democracy" allows for populist upheavals that amend the Constitution, often without formal procedures. These disruptions, driven by the will of the people, have been pivotal in reshaping American law and governance throughout history.

In addition to historical analysis, Ackerman provides a contemporary perspective, positioning key events like the Reagan Revolution and Roe v. Wade within the context of America’s constitutional struggle. By reflecting on the ongoing challenges posed by both the New Deal and Reagan’s era, Ackerman addresses pressing constitutional issues and proposes possible reforms to resolve them.

Challenging both formalist and fundamentalist views, We the People: Transformations is an essential work for anyone interested in understanding the dynamic, ongoing evolution of American constitutional thought and its impact on the nation’s identity.