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9780521885362pre CUFX223/Bederman 978 0 521 88536 2 December 29, 2007 20:11
the classical foundations of
the american constitution
The Framers of the American Constitution were substantially influenced by
ancient history and classical political theory, as exemplified by their education,
the availability of classical readings, and their inculcation in classical republi-
can values. This book explores how the Framing generation deployed classical
learning to develop many of the essential structural aspects of the Constitution:
federalism, separation of powers, a bicameral legislature, independent courts,
and the war-making and foreign relations powers. Also examined are very con-
temporary constitutional debates for which there were classical inspirations,
including: sovereign immunity, executive privilege, line-item vetoes, and the
electoral college. Combining techniques of intellectual history, classical studies,
and constitutional interpretation, this book makes a unique contribution to our
understanding of contemporary constitutionalism.
David J. Bederman is a professor of law at Emory University’s School of Law
in Atlanta, ia. After earning an undergraduate degree from Prince-
tonUniversity in international affairs (with highest honors), he went on to
. in marine affairs at the London School of Economics. Profes-
sor Bederman read law at the University of Virginia, and, after graduating,
clerked with the Hon. Charles E. Wiggins, judge of the . Court of Appeals
for the Ninth Circuit.
Professor Bederman’s academic and professional career has focused on
international law and its practical impact on American government. He has
written extensively on the influence of ancient legal traditions on contem-
porary law and politics. In addition to holding a diploma from The Hague
Academy of International Law, as well as a . in law from the University
of London, he has served as a legal advisor at