What is largely underappreciated is how European exposure to the novel concepts of governance helped spark the Enlightenment and give birth to modern democracy.
Founding Fathers articles on Democracy Chronicles
The Founding Fathers were political leaders and statesmen who participated in the American Revolution by signing the Declaration of Independence and establishing the Constitution. Also see our articles on revolutionary Thomas Paine.
Thomas Paine and Bob Dylan
I commend Bob Dylan for grasping Thomas Paine’s essence, and for putting it to use. He did a much better job than most historians in that time.
How the Founders Intended To Check The Supreme Court’s Power
When they feel the justices have gone beyond their authority, the president and Congress can take measures to restrain SCOTUS.
An 1868 Act And Making Qualifications For Congress
It would be interesting to see how the Fourth Circuit approaches and judges on Cawthorn v. Amalfi brought on grounds of the 1868 Act.
Examining Government As A “Necessary Evil”
Thomas Paine defines government as separate from society, and indeed if society functioned perfectly there would be no need for government.
Thomas Paine Was Not A Libertarian
Libertarianism is the feeble step-child of anarchism: espousing that the individual is everything, the collective is always oppressive.
Thomas Paine and the Origins of Modern Democracy, Part II
Central to Paine’s political theories are his ideology of first principles. The foundation of these principles is equality, and as a direct result, justice.
Paine and the Origins of Modern Democracy, Part I
Thomas Paine is the founder of modern democracy. He crafted the democratic movement in three countries, and it spread on its own around the world.
PODCAST: Defending Democracy At Home And Abroad
Robert Kagan is a foreign policy expert who turned his focus to the US last fall in a column titled “Our Constitutional Crisis Is Already Here”.
PODCAST: How National Parties Are Breaking State Politics
We are talking with an assistant Professor at the University of Washington, and author of the forthcoming book laboratories against democracy.