Roberston, David Brian. The Constitution and America's Destiny

International Social Science Review, Spring-Summer, 2007 by Creston Long

The Constitution and America's Destiny brings important research and analysis to the ongoing discussion of the nation's foundational document. Robertson makes it clear that many political debates throughout American history owe their longevity to the work, or, according to the author, rather, the incomplete work of the framers at the Constitutional Convention. The delegates crafted a plan of government which balanced (or barricaded) the different branches against each other but left substantial room for interpretation and future debate. This system has perpetuated stability in the government, but it has also made change difficult. Debates about the scope of government activity and the fight over state versus national sovereignty linger today, reflecting the battle lines that Robertson has so clearly outlined here.

Creston Long, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of History

Salisbury University

Salisbury, Maryland