A March of Liberty: A Constitutional History of the United StatesVolume I: From the Founding to 1890

by Melvin I. Urofsky, Paul Finkelman

A March of A Constitutional History of the United States, 2/e , is a clearly written, comprehensive overview of American constitutional development. Covering the country's history from the founding of the English colonies up through the latest decisions of the Supreme Court, this
two-volume work presents the most complete discussion of American constitutional history currently available. Reflecting the latest in contemporary scholarship, the authors successfully blend cases and court doctrines into the larger fabric of American political, economic, and social history. They
discuss in detail the great cases handed down by the Supreme Court, showing how these cases played out in society and how constitutional growth parallels changes in American culture. In addition, this two-volume set examines lesser-known decisions that played important roles in affecting change, and
also contains in-depth analyses of the intellects and personalities of the Supreme Court justices who made these influential decisions.
This second edition of A March of Liberty addresses recent scholarship on race and gender, covers both constitutional and legal history, and examines federal, state, and private law. The text exemplifies the current trends in American constitutional history through its holistic approach of
integrating the decisions of the state and lower federal courts with the decisions of the Supreme Court. Volume I covers the colonial period up through Reconstruction and explores central rulings on property law, religious freedom, slavery, and women's rights. It also examines the need for a
governmental system of checks and balances, lesser-known rulings on land and water usage, and impeachment and treason trials.
A March of Liberty, 2/e , features useful supplemental materials including the text of the Constitution, a chronological list of Supreme Court justices, and suggested further readings. Gracefully written and clearly explained, this popular two-volume set is indispensable for courses in American
constitutional history and law.

Genres: History, American History, Law

576 pages, Paperback

First published August 16, 2001

About the author

Melvin I. Urofsky is professor of law and public policy and a professor emeritus of history at Virginia Commonwealth University. He received his B.A. from Columbia University in 1961 and doctorate in 1968. He also received his JD from the University of Virginia. He teaches at American University and George Washington University Law School.