The Lives of the Constitution: 10 Exceptional Minds Who Shaped America's Supreme Law - Perfect for History Buffs & Political Science Students

This interesting book consists of 10 chapter-length studies of individuals who shaped or help explain the Constitution. The author suggests that by studying 10 individuals, that can help illuminate the entire history of the document as it enters its third century of development. Overall, I found the studies very well done: both interesting and informative, with a light touch sometimes in evidence.First up is Alexander Hamilton, a figure that recently I have come to have enhanced respect for. The author hits the key point about Hamilton: he was a master at administration, just what Washington needed when he appointed him the first Secretary of the Treasury. Hamilton ensured that the Presidency had muscle to carry out its responsibilities. He used his Treasury post to craft an efficient government mechanism that could implement policy and defend itself. This is also the theme of Kate Elizabeth Brown's important study of Hamilton and American law. The next topic is the much overlooked James Wilson. He did so much--signed the Declaration as well as the working on the Committee on Detail crafting the Constitution, led the ratification fight in Pennsylvania, was appointed to the first Supreme Court, and delivered an influential series of lectures on American law--and yet remains much neglected. Wilson rejected arguments that adherence to law diminished individual freedom--for him law made freedom possible.Moving into the 19th century, the author assesses Daniel Webster, the outstanding Supreme Court advocate of his time. Webster shared the strong national government perspective of John Marshall, and absolutely rejected any idea of interposition or nullification. He did, however, become critical of abolitionists and his support for the Compromise of 1850 somewhat shredded his hopes for the Presidency, though he did serve two terms as Secretary of State. His broad interpretation of the commerce and contract clauses gave strong support to the early national government. Justice Stephen J. Field (one of my favorite characters) is the next to be profiled. The main thing about the cantankerous Field is he was the first to analogize corporations to individuals in constitutional law, a concept that became extremely influential as evidenced by the recent campaign finance and Second Amendment decisions. He laid a solid foundation of conservative ideas for the later Court in his opposition to income taxes and rate regulation, and he defended a laissez faire orientation. A tough, conservative Justice to say the least.The author devotes a chapter to two foreign views of the Constitution: Tocqueville and James Bryce. It is an interesting comparison. The best chapter deals with Woodrow Wilson, who has become somewhat controversial recently because of his racial views. The author offers a fine discussion of Progressivism as background for understanding Wilson. The chapter stands for me as the best brief analysis of Wilson and his presidency currently available. Coupled with the Wilson chapter is one on someone I never encountered before: Ida B. Wells-Barnett, who fought two wars as a African American and also a woman, principally engaged in suffrage activities. I am glad to finally make her acquaintance.The final two chapters are on Supreme Court Justices Robert H. Jackson and Antonin Scalia. Jackson played a major role in the New Deal, in Antitrust enforcement, and as Attorney General, before his Court appointment. He is reputed to be the finest writer in the Court's history. I think of him most often in his role as the chief prosecutor at the Nuremberg trial. His opinion in the flag salute case attests to his great gifts. And finally, the chapter of Scalia. Another figure who was controversial as a result of his philosophy of interpretation. The essence of this scintilating Justice is well capture in this laudatory chapter.A solid book, a pleasant and informative way to look at some various stages in constitutional development. The 58 pages of notes are a valuable resource in themselves. A solid addition to the literature.