Constitutional Government in the United States

1911. Wilson, Woodrow. Constitutional Government in the United States. New York: The Columbia University Press, 1911. vii, 236 pp. Original red cloth with gilt stamped spine, front cover emblem and page edges. Moderate shelfwear. Ex-library with ink shelf location label to foot of spine. Property stamps to top and bottom pade edges. Bookplate of Joseph M. Gleason to front pastedown. Date due slip to rear pastedown. Number stamp to verso title page, otherwise internally clean. $45. * Based on a series of lectures he delivered at Columbia University, Wilson offers a progressive critique of the U.S. Constitution and the political system it established. Wilson argues that constitutional interpretation should be dynamic. He presents the idea that the Constitution is an evolving, "Darwinian" document that must adapt to changing times, a concept known as "living constitutionalism". He criticizes the government's structure, designed to separate power, for being too slow and inefficient for the demands of the modern state. He argues that government needs a single point of leadership to be effective. The presidency should be a more powerful, central role. Wilson argues that, through their role as party leader, presidents have evolved beyond the Founders' original vision. He advocates for a more active, guiding presidency that is the true center of national political purpose. Gleason [1869-1942] was a Catholic priest, historian and collector. Columbia University Lectures.