Description
Book SynopsisAmong the founders, James Madison wielded the greatest influence in drafting the Constitution of 1789. The author offers a concise synthesis of Madison's political philosophy in the context of the social and political history of his day.
Trade ReviewElegant in [its] brevity. In this book Sheldon interweaves Madison's intellectual development with his political career: the one the warp, the one the weft, of his mind... His greatest contribution is to emphasize John Witherspoon's Scottish Presbyterian influence during Madison's undergraduate days at Princeton. The Calvinist doctrine of depravity sits uneasily in the supposedly rationalist world of Revolutionary America, but Madison's recognition of man's sinful nature shaped his political strategy. -- Colin Bonwick Times Literary Supplement Garrett Ward Sheldon argues that James Madison's political beliefs were heavily influenced by his religious beliefs. Sheldon goes so far as to say that Madison's political beliefs cannot be understood at all apart from his theology. To make this argument, Sheldon describes Madison's Calvinist upbringing and education and shows how this background provided the basis for his political ideas throughout his life, from the Revolutionary period through the nullification debates after his presidency... As an account of the link between Madison's religion and his political beliefs, the book is illuminating and persuasive. -- Karen S. Hoffman Presidential Studies Quarterly This book provides a clear, sympathetic summary of the intellectual origins of much of the constitutional structure that continues to frame American political life. Choice [Sheldon] does an excellent job of synthesizing and reconciling recent scholarship on Madison. -- Stuart Leibiger William and Mary Quarterly
Table of ContentsContents: Preface Introduction :Liberalism, Classical Republicanism, and Christianity in the Political Philosophy of James Madison 1. Intellectual Heritage: Politics, Philosophy, and Theology 2. Politics and Religion 3. Federalist Nationalism 4. Lockean Liberalism Realized: Construction and Ratification of the U.S. Constitution 5. Classical Republicanism: The States' Rights of the Virginia Resolutions 6. Nationalism Revisted 7. Last Testaments Appendix A: Extract from "The Report on the [Virginia] Resolutions" Appendix B: Last Testament: "Advice to My County" Notes Index
