Constitutional Construction: Divided Powers and Constitutional Meaning

Description: Constitutional Construction: Divided Powers and Constitutional Meaning [Paperback] Whittington, Keith E. Product Overview This book argues that the Constitution has a dual nature. The first aspect, on which legal scholars have focused, is the degree to which the Constitution acts as a binding set of rules that can be neutrally interpreted and externally enforced by the courts against government actors. This is the process of constitutional interpretation. But according to Keith Whittington, the Constitution also permeates politics itself, to guide and constrain political actors in the very process of making public policy. In so doing, it is also dependent on political actors, both to formulate authoritative constitutional requirements and to enforce those fundamental settlements in the future. Whittington characterizes this process, by which constitutional meaning is shaped within politics at the same time that politics is shaped by the Constitution, as one of construction as opposed to interpretation. Whittington goes on to argue that ambiguities in the constitutional text and changes in the political situation push political actors to construct their own constitutional understanding. The construction of constitutional meaning is a necessary part of the political process and a regular part of our nation's history, how a democracy lives with a written constitution. The Constitution both binds and empowers government officials. Whittington develops his argument through intensive analysis of four important cases: the impeachments of Justice Samuel Chase and President Andrew Johnson, the nullification crisis, and reforms of presidential-congressional relations during the Nixon presidency. Read more Details Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harvard University Press (May 15, 2001) Language ‏ : ‎ English Paperback ‏ : ‎ 316 pages ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 067400583X ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 39 Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1 pounds Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.12 x 0.79 x 9.25 inches Best Sellers Rank: #2,065,643 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #1,063 in Constitutions (Books) #2,153 in General Constitutional Law #8,515 in History & Theory of Politics #1,063 in Constitutions (Books) #2,153 in General Constitutional Law Quality Products This will be shipped securely Returns must be within 30 days - item EXACTLY as it was sent. Must have tracking number. Email us with any issues/questions. Thanks for looking! Fast and Free Shipping Shipping is free for this item. We get your order shipped out and delivered to your doorstep as quickly as possible. Commitment We are committed to making sure that you leave this transaction satisfied. That means having access to real people that get your questions and concerns answered quickly. Give us a shot and we will make sure that you will look to us again!

Price: 42.72 USD

Location: US

End Time: 2024-11-15T21:17:59.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD