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The Founders' Revolution: The Forgotten History & Principles of the Declaration of Independence
A historian’s “revealing and much-needed retelling of the writing of the Declaration of Independence and the events that led up to it” (William D. Watkins, author of The New Absolutes). Tying American history to our current political climate, The Founders’ Revolution is designed to help readers understand the principles embedded in the Declaration of Independence. The book unpacks the intent of the Founding Fathers in drafting the document, and the historical circumstances surrounding its development. Every charge and every paragraph of the Declaration of Independence is discussed with supporting evidence coming from the original words of the Founding Fathers and other original source documents. The Founders’ Revolution also makes astute comparisons between actions taken by America’s current federal government and those taken by the King of England at the time of the Declaration, showing how our founding document and its principles are still applicable today. In this revealing history, readers will rediscover the forgotten treasures of the Declaration of Independence, recognizing the dedication of the Founding Fathers to the principles written down.
- GenresHistoryNonfiction
235 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 2, 2018
114 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Michael S. Law
1 bookMichael S. Law has focused much of his life's research on the Founding Era and the Founders of the US. Michael has a bachelor's in political science from Boise State University and a master's degree in political science from American Public University emphasizing US history and government. Michael continues to personally study from the writings of the Founders and their history, remaining focused on the Founding principles. Michael applies his political expertise locally, including involvement in local government through serving on his local school board until 2016. Michael has been heard on numerous Fox Radio Network stations as a political analyst. Michael has been married for over twenty-five years to his wife, Kaori, and has three children.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 16, 2019
I think The Founders' Revolution is an important book for Americans and those who are interested in the foundations of American government and culture. Michael Law has deconstructed the tenets of the Declaration of Independence and brought forward the philosophy behind the words. The book's title says it all, and Law, attorney that he is, supports every page of narrative with quotes from the men who were party to casting off the oppression of George III. I learned a lot reading Founders' Revolution, and I came to appreciate my home country more. Some questions I've had - questions I'm sure others have had - were answered, and the answers made sense. I have a feeling this is a book I'll return to again and again. Well done.
A few quotes:
“Despotic power is always accompanied by corruption of morality.”
“It will be of little avail to the people that the laws are made by men of their own choice if the laws be so voluminous that they cannot be read, or so incoherent that they cannot be understood.”
The following quote ties the pursuit of happiness to a person's right to have their own things, without the threat of these things being commandeered by others or by government (at the time, the British Crown). I hadn't quite thought in these terms.
"Property is essential to life and to liberty...Therefore, both liberty and property are essential to life. Thus, the proper role of government is to protect man’s unalienable rights to life, liberty, and property."
A few quotes:
“Despotic power is always accompanied by corruption of morality.”
“It will be of little avail to the people that the laws are made by men of their own choice if the laws be so voluminous that they cannot be read, or so incoherent that they cannot be understood.”
The following quote ties the pursuit of happiness to a person's right to have their own things, without the threat of these things being commandeered by others or by government (at the time, the British Crown). I hadn't quite thought in these terms.
"Property is essential to life and to liberty...Therefore, both liberty and property are essential to life. Thus, the proper role of government is to protect man’s unalienable rights to life, liberty, and property."
September 14, 2019
I'm not usually one to pick up a history book, but boy I loved this one. I was even reading it at Disneyland! Each page pulled me into a different world and the past came alive before my very eyes.
I found the Founders to be such inspirational leaders. I was often moved by their determination and courage to lead this country forward. We are still enjoying the fruits of their hard work and sacrifice so many years later. They have touched each of our lives in such a profound way.
This is the first time I actually learned about the Declaration of Independence in depth. It helped me realize just how brilliant Jefferson is to be able to fashion a piece of writing like this. What an organized, structured, fair and comprehensive document. It is also very persuasive. The abuses the colonists endured were so many. Yes, it was definitely time for them to separate! Who wouldn't agree? In this situation, I find myself wondering, would I be able to come up with a document like the Declaration of Independence? Of course not. It is a work of genius and I'm ever so grateful to Michael for helping me decipher and understand it. He made the language accessible to me, like decoding a puzzle. And that is such a gift because this book is very important, one that dissects the words that paved the way for our country. At the same time, it's very eye-opening to see how people were oppressed and made to suffer under the hands of the king and how that could've been our fate, were it not for the Founders. We owe everything to them (even being at Disneyland!)
“The Declaration of Independence provided a case for humanity, a declaration of the rights of all humankind, not just the rights of citizens of what would become the United States of America.”
I didn't know Washington was against slavery and did what he could to stop it. That's impressive considering the time from which he came. It was considered the norm. He was a pioneer and a thought-leader, daring to stray from the crowds and daring to think for himself.
"He regarded slaves as human beings, not some secondary or inferior species
I appreciate how Michael cleared up the misconception regarding the 3/5ths Compromise. It’s easy to misunderstand what happened.
Something I didn't know: "In Sparta, for example, if the examiner judged a child to be unhealthy or ill-formed, the examiner would have the child thrown into a pit." Oh my gosh, that's horrendous!
Also, I didn't know the role of the jury is to keep the judge in check; to prevent modern government from doing what it had in the past. That’s so interesting!
I didn't know you have to pack out your own feces if traveling by boat up the Salmon River in the Frank Church River of No Return wilderness.
But more importantly, I didn't know the cost some of the signers paid to stand up against such tyranny, like Robert Morris, Thomas Nelson Jr. and many others.
"All of Nelson's time, money, and property he freely gave to the cause of independence. His example shows the deep level of commitment the signers had in the cause for independence."
"Of course, many others signed the Declaration of Independence. And far more fought, bled, and died, giving along with the signers their fortune, sacred honor, and very lives."
"The principles of the Declaration of Independence stands the test of time. Human nature does not change. Humankind naturally possesses an inherent desire for freedom, a desire to do as one sees fit, a desire to act without interference from others.”
"The purpose for entering into society is for the mutual protection of the natural, unalienable rights of man. All of us-male and female-have the right to live and to live according to the dictates of our conscience as long as we do not infringe on the rights of others.”
The ending of this book especially moved me and I was nearly brought to tears. These men were like superheroes, stepping up with extraordinary bravery, risking their lives completely to pursue a cause so noble for everyone. I can't imagine how they summoned up such strength. When I think of putting my life on the line, I feel terrified and afraid of any pain that might come. But they found freedom to be worth the price; any price. It is simply unbelievable.
"We may die; die colonists; die slaves; die, it may be, ignominiously and on the scaffold. Be it so. Be it so. If it be the pleasure of Heaven that my country shall require the poor offering of my life, the victim shall be ready, at the appointed hour of sacrifice, come when that hour may. But while I do live, let me have a country, or at least the hope of a country, and that a free country." So Noble. They died for me...
“All that I have, and all that I am, and all that I hope, in this life, I am now ready here to stake upon it; and I leave off as I begun, that live or die, survive or perish, I am for the Declaration. It is my living sentiment, and by the blessing of God it shall be my dying sentiment, Independence, now, and Independence forever!"
What an amazing book, wow. Thank you Michael!
I found the Founders to be such inspirational leaders. I was often moved by their determination and courage to lead this country forward. We are still enjoying the fruits of their hard work and sacrifice so many years later. They have touched each of our lives in such a profound way.
This is the first time I actually learned about the Declaration of Independence in depth. It helped me realize just how brilliant Jefferson is to be able to fashion a piece of writing like this. What an organized, structured, fair and comprehensive document. It is also very persuasive. The abuses the colonists endured were so many. Yes, it was definitely time for them to separate! Who wouldn't agree? In this situation, I find myself wondering, would I be able to come up with a document like the Declaration of Independence? Of course not. It is a work of genius and I'm ever so grateful to Michael for helping me decipher and understand it. He made the language accessible to me, like decoding a puzzle. And that is such a gift because this book is very important, one that dissects the words that paved the way for our country. At the same time, it's very eye-opening to see how people were oppressed and made to suffer under the hands of the king and how that could've been our fate, were it not for the Founders. We owe everything to them (even being at Disneyland!)
“The Declaration of Independence provided a case for humanity, a declaration of the rights of all humankind, not just the rights of citizens of what would become the United States of America.”
I didn't know Washington was against slavery and did what he could to stop it. That's impressive considering the time from which he came. It was considered the norm. He was a pioneer and a thought-leader, daring to stray from the crowds and daring to think for himself.
"He regarded slaves as human beings, not some secondary or inferior species
I appreciate how Michael cleared up the misconception regarding the 3/5ths Compromise. It’s easy to misunderstand what happened.
Something I didn't know: "In Sparta, for example, if the examiner judged a child to be unhealthy or ill-formed, the examiner would have the child thrown into a pit." Oh my gosh, that's horrendous!
Also, I didn't know the role of the jury is to keep the judge in check; to prevent modern government from doing what it had in the past. That’s so interesting!
I didn't know you have to pack out your own feces if traveling by boat up the Salmon River in the Frank Church River of No Return wilderness.
But more importantly, I didn't know the cost some of the signers paid to stand up against such tyranny, like Robert Morris, Thomas Nelson Jr. and many others.
"All of Nelson's time, money, and property he freely gave to the cause of independence. His example shows the deep level of commitment the signers had in the cause for independence."
"Of course, many others signed the Declaration of Independence. And far more fought, bled, and died, giving along with the signers their fortune, sacred honor, and very lives."
"The principles of the Declaration of Independence stands the test of time. Human nature does not change. Humankind naturally possesses an inherent desire for freedom, a desire to do as one sees fit, a desire to act without interference from others.”
"The purpose for entering into society is for the mutual protection of the natural, unalienable rights of man. All of us-male and female-have the right to live and to live according to the dictates of our conscience as long as we do not infringe on the rights of others.”
The ending of this book especially moved me and I was nearly brought to tears. These men were like superheroes, stepping up with extraordinary bravery, risking their lives completely to pursue a cause so noble for everyone. I can't imagine how they summoned up such strength. When I think of putting my life on the line, I feel terrified and afraid of any pain that might come. But they found freedom to be worth the price; any price. It is simply unbelievable.
"We may die; die colonists; die slaves; die, it may be, ignominiously and on the scaffold. Be it so. Be it so. If it be the pleasure of Heaven that my country shall require the poor offering of my life, the victim shall be ready, at the appointed hour of sacrifice, come when that hour may. But while I do live, let me have a country, or at least the hope of a country, and that a free country." So Noble. They died for me...
“All that I have, and all that I am, and all that I hope, in this life, I am now ready here to stake upon it; and I leave off as I begun, that live or die, survive or perish, I am for the Declaration. It is my living sentiment, and by the blessing of God it shall be my dying sentiment, Independence, now, and Independence forever!"
What an amazing book, wow. Thank you Michael!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2018
Review of the Founders’ revolution
I obtained a signed pre-release copy from the author and am happy to provide this honest review of his work.
Michael S. Law has written a carefully considered history of the writing of the Declaration of Independence with analysis of today’s conditions in comparison with the conditions of the time. This is not an overtly political book, though it is unapologetically conservative in its views. These views are based solely on the writings of the founders and on historical documents, not on modern-day concepts of “living documents” commonly applied to the Constitution by those of a more liberal mindset.
One of the things I most appreciated about Law’s writing is his application of analysis based on the context of the time in which the Declaration was written instead of current revisionist thinking that applies 21st century values, or lack thereof, to the document. I particularly appreciated his handling of the slavery issue in which Law exposed the fallacy of the present-day condemnation of the founders who were locked into a system they abhorred but were unable to change due to laws not of their making that prevented them from releasing the slaves they inherited. Very few today are aware of the anti-manumission laws they opposed. Very few today are aware that Washington, Jefferson, Adams, and others petitioned King George to end importation of slaves to the colonies; rather King George was the one who forced their continued importation.
I have a significant library of historical volumes, and I’m most gratified to add this one to my shelves. I know Law’s book is one I will refer to over and over again in the future as I research material for projects at hand.
I obtained a signed pre-release copy from the author and am happy to provide this honest review of his work.
Michael S. Law has written a carefully considered history of the writing of the Declaration of Independence with analysis of today’s conditions in comparison with the conditions of the time. This is not an overtly political book, though it is unapologetically conservative in its views. These views are based solely on the writings of the founders and on historical documents, not on modern-day concepts of “living documents” commonly applied to the Constitution by those of a more liberal mindset.
One of the things I most appreciated about Law’s writing is his application of analysis based on the context of the time in which the Declaration was written instead of current revisionist thinking that applies 21st century values, or lack thereof, to the document. I particularly appreciated his handling of the slavery issue in which Law exposed the fallacy of the present-day condemnation of the founders who were locked into a system they abhorred but were unable to change due to laws not of their making that prevented them from releasing the slaves they inherited. Very few today are aware of the anti-manumission laws they opposed. Very few today are aware that Washington, Jefferson, Adams, and others petitioned King George to end importation of slaves to the colonies; rather King George was the one who forced their continued importation.
I have a significant library of historical volumes, and I’m most gratified to add this one to my shelves. I know Law’s book is one I will refer to over and over again in the future as I research material for projects at hand.
September 6, 2020
Did not finish.
Early in the book, the author explains he will relate the ideas in the declaration of independence with other founding documents, like the Magna Carta.
He then claims that the Magna Carta provided freedom of religion to the English. (i.e. that English people could choose their religion.) Simply not true. First of all, there were no other religions to select from, Catholicism was all there was. Secondly, the Magna Carta provided that the English throne would not interfere with the administration of the English Church, a longstanding issue between the Church and the monarch. This was intended to prevent the King from taking Church lands, or interfere with the appointment of Church officials.
And the reason so many different religious groups fled from England to found colonies in the 1600s is they were NonConformist - they didn't adhere the Church of England rules. And were being jailed and fined for it.
At that point I threw up my hands over this basic misunderstanding of common law, and put the book down.
From the Magna Carta.
FIRST, THAT WE HAVE GRANTED TO GOD, and by this present charter have confirmed for us and our heirs in perpetuity, that the English Church shall be free, and shall have its rights undiminished, and its liberties unimpaired. That we wish this so to be observed, appears from the fact that of our own free will, before the outbreak of the present dispute between us and our barons, we granted and confirmed by charter the freedom of the Church's elections - a right reckoned to be of the greatest necessity and importance to it - and caused this to be confirmed by Pope Innocent III. This freedom we shall observe ourselves, and desire to be observed in good faith by our heirs in perpetuity.
Early in the book, the author explains he will relate the ideas in the declaration of independence with other founding documents, like the Magna Carta.
He then claims that the Magna Carta provided freedom of religion to the English. (i.e. that English people could choose their religion.) Simply not true. First of all, there were no other religions to select from, Catholicism was all there was. Secondly, the Magna Carta provided that the English throne would not interfere with the administration of the English Church, a longstanding issue between the Church and the monarch. This was intended to prevent the King from taking Church lands, or interfere with the appointment of Church officials.
And the reason so many different religious groups fled from England to found colonies in the 1600s is they were NonConformist - they didn't adhere the Church of England rules. And were being jailed and fined for it.
At that point I threw up my hands over this basic misunderstanding of common law, and put the book down.
From the Magna Carta.
FIRST, THAT WE HAVE GRANTED TO GOD, and by this present charter have confirmed for us and our heirs in perpetuity, that the English Church shall be free, and shall have its rights undiminished, and its liberties unimpaired. That we wish this so to be observed, appears from the fact that of our own free will, before the outbreak of the present dispute between us and our barons, we granted and confirmed by charter the freedom of the Church's elections - a right reckoned to be of the greatest necessity and importance to it - and caused this to be confirmed by Pope Innocent III. This freedom we shall observe ourselves, and desire to be observed in good faith by our heirs in perpetuity.
November 17, 2017
Michaels book should be in every high school's cirricululum. Upon finishing this book I realized that the subject matter is an extension upon the glimpse of history we are taught early on. His perspective sheds light onto the matters that actually existed at the time, within lives and actions. It is communicative and not just centered around politics. It builds a story of their lives and makes you realize that their actions WERE justified and the "why" of the timeline leading up to what our textbooks tell us. Sure to garner dialogue between readers.
April 3, 2018
Michael did a fantastic job at researching and putting the timelines together for this book. It is detailed and gives accurate information about the history and reasons for the Declaration of Independence. There were so many back histories and stories I hadn't heard before and it was extremely interesting. I would have read it faster if I wasn't working so many hours of overtime. Michael is an amazing asset to our community and I applaud him for this amazing book.
October 18, 2018
There is a difference between scholarship and personal opinion; and a difference between personal opinion and a political rants. Unfortunately this book digresses into political rants throughout, which weakens its ability to convey valuable information--or to be taken seriously at points. Sorely missing in the rants is a thoughtful discussion of the disputed federal and state rulings in a way that shows the complexity of constitutional law and its interpretation. It lacks insightful, scholarly consideration of why these particular cases (having to do with the EPA, National Parks, immigration, and abortion) are treated the the way they are today and also how their current status embodies the dynamism, strength, and spirit of democracy itself.
November 7, 2018
This is an enjoyable book. Mr. Law lays out in detail the reasons why the colonists declared their independence from England. He gives some enlightening comparisons between the abuses of King George on the colonists and the abuses our government is guilty of today. I'm looking forward to reviewing some of his other books and maybe reading a few.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews