Defending the Republic: Constitutional Morality in a Time of Crisis: Essays in Honor of George W. Carey

The conservative tradition of political and constitutional discourse is reintroduced in this volume, which was influenced by George W. Carey's concept of constitutional morality. It explains how our republican constitutional order can be sustained by a combination of formal mechanisms and unwritten norms.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 392 pages
Publication date: 07 October 2022
Publisher: The Catholic University of America Press

The recent years have seen a growing attack on our constitutional order, with claims of it being irredeemably undemocratic, racist, and oppressive. At the same time, it has become increasingly evident that political practices in the United States have strayed far from the designs of the Founding Fathers and have become deeply dysfunctional. The time has come for a renewed reflection on the American political tradition.

This volume aims to reintroduce readers to the conservative tradition of political and constitutional discourse. It brings together prominent political scientists and legal scholars, all of whom were deeply influenced by the life and work of the eminent constitutional scholar George W. Carey. Carey dedicated over 40 years to explaining the nature and requirements of our political tradition. He sought to understand how it fostered meaningful, virtuous self-government and how it has been derailed by progressivist ideology.

One of Carey's most notable contributions is his concept of constitutional morality. He argued that our republican constitutional order can only be sustained by a combination of formal mechanisms (such as separation of powers) and unwritten norms (standards of behavior) that promote deliberation, consensus, and the boundaries of political actors within their constitutional offices.

The contributors to this volume explore various aspects of Carey's philosophy and its relevance to contemporary political debates. They examine how the conservative tradition can address the challenges facing our country, such as the erosion of democratic norms, the rise of authoritarianism, and the need for constitutional renewal. They also discuss the importance of preserving the moral and ethical foundations of our political system, including the rule of law, individual liberty, and the sanctity of human life.

In conclusion, this volume offers a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about the future of American politics. It provides a renewed appreciation for the conservative tradition of political and constitutional discourse and its potential to address the pressing challenges facing our country. By reintroducing readers to the ideas of George W. Carey and his fellow contributors, this volume seeks to inspire a renewed commitment to the principles of limited government, individual liberty, and constitutionalism that have shaped our nation for generations.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781949822243