Customer Reviews

An Inquiry into the Principles and Policy of the Government of the United States (Dodo Press)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

John Taylor's "An Inquiry into the Principles and Policy of the Government of the United States" is political philosophy of the first order. John Taylor, a devout Jeffersonian, wrote this treatise to refute the monarchial ideas of John Adams as espoused in his "Defence of the Constitutions of the United States".

Taylor lays waste to Adams and other conservatives ideas that there must be a balance of orders among men in society and government. Taylor rejects the forms of the English government, lords, commons and king, and instead embraces the sovereignty of the people through a written constitution and republican government. Pointed out are the moral principles of republican government as embodied in the American Revolution, which Taylor considers as an epochial event which changed the way men viewed government. Taylor believes good government is nurtured by good principles at the foundation of a government. He rejects the ideals of fraud, force, and coercion to govern men, which Adams, Hobbes and Sir Robert Filmer believe to be man in his natural state. Taylor believes men can live free if their form of government has good moral priciples infused throughout. These principles are a division of power between state and federal authority, the sovereignty of the people, and local and statewide self government.

Taylor also rejects the idea of strong central government as in the British model, especially before the American Revolution. He rejects a central bank and subsidies for private enterprise as destructive to the public good, a vehicle to corrupt government and centralize power. He believes these events will destroy the principles of the American Revolution. Taylor also takes umbrage at Adams glorification of aristocracy and monarchy as faulty and based on the corruption of the English system.

Although this book is difficult reading, due to Taylor's expansive and complex vocabulary, it is well worth a purchase to investigate the true principles of the American Republic and Revolution. All those interested in liberty, freedom and self government will enjoy this large volume. Set time aside in a quiet place without interuption to read this book. Read it slowly and over several months time and the full effect will be felt.

A great read.