American political thought

Synopsis

In the aftermath of 9/11, Dolbeare and Cummings challenge readers to examine their own political identities. They are asked to take their newfound concern about Islamic fundamentalism and focus it toward the issue of American fundamentalism, or the foundations of American political thought. Readers are invited to examine such basic ideals as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, as well as private and free enterprise, the rule of law, institutional checks and balances, and the people's right to revolt against oppression. The editors outline three organizing themes to help readers understand and analyze seminal and revisionist readings: the social and historical foundations of American political thought, the key transformations in American political thought and practice, and the individual and collective political identity of Americans.