American Political Rhetoric

Peter Augustine Lawler was Dana Professor and chair of the Department of Government and International Studies at Berry College in Georgia. Robert Martin Schaefer is chair of the Department of Political Science & Planning and professor of political science at the University of West Georgia. David Ramsey is associate professor of political science at the University of West Florida, where he teaches constitutional law and political philosophy.

American Political Rhetoric provides students the means to pursue a political wisdom which is essential for free citizens in a democratic-republic. Political wisdom, as opposed to mere facts, requires depth of study as well as breadth, and that depth is to be found in the investigation of fundamental and (often opposing) arguments. Triumphant arguments may be confronted anew when circumstances call them into question once again, and losing arguments may again be resurrected, showing that ideas are more powerful and enduring than events. The 8th edition retains the essential arguments surrounding the founding and development of American democracy, while bringing up to date the critical political disputes of our own time.

• WebsiteIntroduction1. Founding Principles2. Federalism3. Congress and the President4. Judiciary5. Parties and Elections6. Constitutional Preservation and Political Change7. Individual Rights and Privileges8. Foreign PolicyAppendix: The Constitution of the United StatesAbout the Editors