One nation under law : the meaning of the Declaration of Independence / Carlton F.W. Larson

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Larson, Carlton F. W., author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

United States. Declaration of Independence.

United States.

Constitutional history--United States.

Constitutional history.

Declaration of Independence (United States).

Physical Description:

1 online resource

Place of Publication:

Cambridge : Cambridge University Press, 2026

Summary:

"This groundbreaking volume shatters many longstanding myths about the Declaration of Independence. Although states-rights advocates have long claimed that the Declaration created thirteen independent nations, Carlton F. W. Larson shows that the Declaration announced the birth of a new nation: the United States of America, a nation governed by an unwritten constitution in which the states were confederated and subject to national authority from the very beginning. Larson counters libertarian claims that the Declaration views government as a necessary evil, demonstrating instead how it embraces constitutionalism, active government, and the rule of law as positive goods. Along the way, Larson debunks other myths, such as the notion that the Declaration is the parchment text enshrined in the National Archives and that it was authored by Thomas Jefferson. By exploring the true meaning of the Declaration of Independence, One Nation Under Law helps us better understand America itself"-- Cambridge Core

Contents:

Where is the Declaration Of Independence?

Who wrote the Declaration Of Independence?

Is the Declaration Of Independence law?

Text

History

Memory

The importance of government and law

The structure of government

Debating American scripture

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index

Online resource; title from PDF title page (Cambridge Core, viewed May 26, 2026)

Other Format:

Print version: Larson, Carlton F. W. One nation under law

ISBN:

9781009789059

1009789058

9781009789073

1009789074

OCLC:

1585501272

Publisher Number:

CIPO000374406

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license