The Spirit of American Government: A Study Of The Constitution: Its Origin, Influence And; Relation To Democracy

"The Spirit of American Government" by J. Allen Smith is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the origins, influences, and implications of the United States Constitution, particularly in relation to democratic principles. It examines how the framers' intentions, shaped by the political context of the 18th century, impact the functioning of American democracy today. The opening of the work sets the stage for a critical analysis of the U.S. Constitution, arguing that it was designed to maintain conservative control rather than genuinely foster democracy. Smith elucidates that the state of governance in the U.S. has been significantly influenced by the Constitution's inherent undemocratic features, which stem from the framers' fears of majority rule and desire to restrict popular influence. He highlights historical contexts, including property qualifications for suffrage and the legacy of slavery, that illuminate the complexities of the constitutional framework. Through this introduction, Smith invites readers to reassess the perceived democratic nature of the U.S. government, laying the groundwork for deeper discussions in subsequent chapters.