Liberty, Order, and Justice: An Introduction to the Constitutional Principles of American Government

by James McClellan

Unlike most textbooks in American Government, Liberty, Order, and Justice seeks to familiarize the student with the basic principles of the Constitution, and to explain their origin, meaning, and purpose. Particular emphasis is placed on federalism and the separation of powers. These features of the book, together with its extensive and unique historical illustrations, make this edition of Liberty, Order, and Justice especially suitable for introductory classes in American Government and for high school students in advanced placement courses. James McClellan (1937–2005) was the James Bryce Visiting Fellow in American Studies at the Institute of United States Studies, University of London.

Genres: History, Politics, Philosophy, Political Science, American History, College, Nonfiction

649 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2000

Reviews

[Josiah Hasbrouck]

looking forward to never touching this book again

[Kent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Books beginning with abstract (and cliched) terms like these three are highly suspect, and it was with a jaundiced view that I opened this book, expecting to find some Lincolnian air-skating about liberty and justice for all, which could mean anything from free cable TV to affirmative action.

Thus, it was with some pleasure I discovered McClellan is careful to locate these terms in their specific Anglo-American historical context, and to insist on defending now-abandoned principles like institutional and geographic representation in government (as opposed to one man-one vote). He also maintains the continuity of English common law in America, harps on States' Rights, and comes down hard against the notion of a connection between American whigs and French Jacobins. Also included is a simple but helpful overview of the development of the English constitution from the Magna Carta to the 1688 Bill of Rights. All in all, therefore, quite pleasant so far. We shall see how it continues.

[Scott MacDonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly readable book on the origins and earlier influences of the Constitution, it's fundamental principles, insight into all it's provisions and how it affects our lives today. Probably more like 4.5 just because it was so clear and readable.

[Peter Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not read this cover to cover, but I read a lot of it and found it really good. McClellan puts the Constitution and to a lesser degree the entire American Revolution in context. He also sees why the Constitution has lost its potency over time. A very helpful introduction to The Constitution.

[Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-written and in-depth dive into the foundations of American Government. It is not too common to find lessons in US history that go into the English Common Law Tradition and emphasize the immense importance of Federalism to the US Constitution.

Though I read this book for a college course, I found it to be a fascinating read, and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Will read it a second time sometime…

Edit: Read it a second time. My original review still holds up. This book is a wealth of information, and revolves around the origins of the U.S. Constitution. I read another review which said the book is really only good as a collection of documents (in the appendices). Quite frankly, I found the insights by the author to be fabulous at times, especially for those who may be less familiar with the constitution.

[Zachary · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a reference work than anything, but the analysis by McClellan seems good and it is valuable if only as a collection of relevant documents from early American political history.

[☠︎︎༒︎✞︎ ѕℓιм ☠︎︎༒︎✞︎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for my GOVT 200, class. I thought it was interesting book, wasn't bored like I normally be when I am reading books for school.