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Feature Articles

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Roots of Freedom: The Constitution
John W. Danford - 09/02/10

Was the American cause for independence a radical rupture from England, with the U.S. Constitution being a new and novel development, or was independence and the following constitutional order a continuation of Western precedent? Or was it a mix of the two? Read the following piece by John W. Danford to get a sense of how this question might be answered, and how America’s Constitution allows for modern liberty. . . . [more]

We Read the Constitution
08/30/10

When one considers the rule of law in the American context there ought to be a real interest in the country’s Constitution. But how many modern Americans have actually read this document?

On Saturday, September 18, the number of Americans who have read, or reread, the Constitution will certainly increase. . . . [more]

The Rule of Law and the Law of Nature
Russell Hittinger - 08/26/10

The rule of law is essential to a free society. But is the rule of law self-standing, independent from any other standard or source? If not, upon what does it depend? Russell Hittinger addresses these very questions in the following piece, which examines the influence of a “higher law” in the American experience, beyond the immediate civil society and its discourse. . . . [more]

The Common Law between England and America
Roger Scruton - 08/19/10

Rule of Law: The Great Foundation of Our Constitution
Matthew Spalding - 08/11/10

In Memoriam: Manuel Ayau (1925–2010)
08/09/10

From the ISI Journal Archives

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The Higher Law and “Original Intent”: The Challenge for Conservatism
Charles R. Kesler - 08/31/10

Is there a “higher law” on which the rule of law depends? In this classic essay from the ISI archives, Charles R. Kesler considers “higher” and “natural law” in the context of the Constitution, the role of judges, and judicial review. . . . [more]

Hayek’s Perception of the “Rule of Law”
Kurt R. Leube - 08/04/10

While law used to mean a general rule equally applicable to all, we have come to call a law whatever the representative assembly resolves. . . . Nobel Prize–winning economist Friedrich Hayek’s insightful reflections on the rule of law in a free society. . . . [more]

Natural Law, the Rule of Law, and Liberty
Edward B. McLean - 08/02/10

First Principles is redoubling its commitment to fostering a better understanding of the first principles of a free and humane society. For August and September we will be focusing on the rule of law. In this classic piece from the ISI archives, Edward B. McLean of Wabash College discusses how systems of law must be informed by the principles of the natural law. . . . [more]

Intellectuals, Experts, and the Classless Society
Thomas Molnar - 07/28/10

Tradition and Social Change
Thomas Molnar (from IR 7:2, Fall 1970) - 07/28/10

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Taylor, John

Lifespan: (1753–1824)

Planter, agricultural reformer, legislator, and U.S. Senator, John Taylor of Caroline was the premier political theorist behind Jeffersonian conservatism. A critic of Alexander Hamilton’s financial plans, Taylor authored ... [more]

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September 06, 2010

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