The Constitution on the Campaign Trail

The Surprising Political Career of America's Founding Document

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Government, Democracy
Cover of the book The Constitution on the Campaign Trail by Andrew E. Busch, Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Andrew E. Busch ISBN: 9780742574939
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Publication: September 16, 2007
Imprint: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Language: English
Author: Andrew E. Busch
ISBN: 9780742574939
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Publication: September 16, 2007
Imprint: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Language: English

The Constitution is the fundamental governing document of the United States. But to what extent do candidates and parties make constitutional arguments in the course of American elections? By examining party platforms, candidate messages, presidential debates, and television ads, The Constitution on the Campaign Trail answers four main questions: How often does constitutional rhetoric appear in campaigns? How much of it is explicit and how much implicit? What constitutional topics receive the most attention? And how often do the electoral competitors engage in an actual constitutional dialogue? The Constitution on the Campaign Trail finds evidence for a long, broad decline in the use of constitutional rhetoric since the mid-19th century. Making matters worse, the modern medium most responsible for conveying campaign messages on a day-to-day basis_television advertising_-has proven least conducive to constitutional argument. To that extent, concerns about a deconstitutionalization of politics are well placed. However, and perhaps surprisingly, American campaigns have actually seen a limited resurgence in constitutional rhetoric over the past four decades, driven in large part by increased concern with judicial issues, rights, and federalism. The book concludes with explanations of past trends and a look to the future. The political analysis found in The Constitution on the Campaign Trail is firmly grounded in historical research and the conclusions reached are trenchant.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The Constitution is the fundamental governing document of the United States. But to what extent do candidates and parties make constitutional arguments in the course of American elections? By examining party platforms, candidate messages, presidential debates, and television ads, The Constitution on the Campaign Trail answers four main questions: How often does constitutional rhetoric appear in campaigns? How much of it is explicit and how much implicit? What constitutional topics receive the most attention? And how often do the electoral competitors engage in an actual constitutional dialogue? The Constitution on the Campaign Trail finds evidence for a long, broad decline in the use of constitutional rhetoric since the mid-19th century. Making matters worse, the modern medium most responsible for conveying campaign messages on a day-to-day basis_television advertising_-has proven least conducive to constitutional argument. To that extent, concerns about a deconstitutionalization of politics are well placed. However, and perhaps surprisingly, American campaigns have actually seen a limited resurgence in constitutional rhetoric over the past four decades, driven in large part by increased concern with judicial issues, rights, and federalism. The book concludes with explanations of past trends and a look to the future. The political analysis found in The Constitution on the Campaign Trail is firmly grounded in historical research and the conclusions reached are trenchant.

More books from Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Cover of the book Frasier by Andrew E. Busch
Cover of the book The Negative Impact of Politics on Literacy by Andrew E. Busch
Cover of the book Jspr Vol 23-N3 by Andrew E. Busch
Cover of the book Stilling the Storm by Andrew E. Busch
Cover of the book Who Did It First? by Andrew E. Busch
Cover of the book What Every Therapist Needs to Know by Andrew E. Busch
Cover of the book Degrees and Pedigrees by Andrew E. Busch
Cover of the book Makerspaces in Libraries by Andrew E. Busch
Cover of the book Get an Internship and Make the Most of It by Andrew E. Busch
Cover of the book Border Politics in a Global Era by Andrew E. Busch
Cover of the book Women Still at Work by Andrew E. Busch
Cover of the book Gifts of an Uncommon Life by Andrew E. Busch
Cover of the book Becoming Barnabas by Andrew E. Busch
Cover of the book Landscapes in Music by Andrew E. Busch
Cover of the book Left on Base in the Bush Leagues by Andrew E. Busch
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy