Böcker av Sanford Levinson

Essays on whether the United States is in a constitutional crisis and what can be done if it is, taking the form of an epistolary exchange between two constitutional law scholars.

This book examines the "e;constitutional faith"e; that has, since 1788, been a central component of American "e;civil religion."e; By taking seriously the parallel between wholehearted acceptance of the Constitution and religious faith, Sanford Levinson opens up a host of intriguing questions about what it means to be American. While some view the Constitution as the central component of an American religion that serves to unite the social order, Levinson maintains that its sacred role can result in conflict, fragmentation, and even war. To Levinson, the Constitution's value lies in the realm of the discourse it sustains: a uniquely American form of political rhetoric that allows citizens to grapple with every important public issue imaginable. In a new afterword, Levinson looks at the deepening of constitutional worship and attributes the current widespread frustrations with the government to the static nature of the Constitution.

Diversity has become a mantra within discussions of university admissions policies and many other arenas of American society. This book includes essays that wrestles with various notions of diversity.

Is it "Stalinist" for a formerly communist country to tear down a statue of Stalin? Should the Confederate flag be allowed to fly over the South Carolina state capital? Is it possible for America to honour General Custer and the Sioux Nation, Jefferson Davis and Abraham Lincoln? This title deals with these questions.