Commentaries on the Constitution of the United States (Shanghai Sanlian Law Series)

Author: (American) Story, translated by Mao Guoquan
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-01-01
Features: The Federalist Papers and the Supreme Court Decisions of Chief Justice Marshall are the two most valuable sources for The Commentaries on the Constitution of the United States. The former provides an unparalleled commentary by three great political figures of that time, discussing the structure and organization of all branches of the national government with admirable comprehensiveness and persuasiveness. The latter, with extraordinary expertise, clearly explains the powers, functions, scope, and limits of the Constitution. The Federalist Papers merely outline the purpose and general meaning of these powers and functions, while the reasoning of Chief Justice Marshall deduces their ultimate results and boundaries with precision and clarity, approaching mathematical proof. The purpose of The Federalist Papers was to respond to the widespread opposition to the Constitution at the time of its ratification, without attempting to follow any highly refined order in its reasoning. The approach taken to the topics was one that was suitable for countering prejudice and winning support at that time. As a result, some topics with natural connections are sometimes separated from each other, and examples supporting important arguments are sometimes introduced in passing discussions. The author has incorporated all the content of lasting significance from that great work into this commentary, striving to make its substance more widely disseminated.