Ebook: An Economic Interpretation of the Constitution of the United States

In this famous study, the author turned the hagiography of many earlier American historians on its head. Unlike those writers, who had stressed idealistic impulses as factors determining the structure of the American government, Beard questioned the Founding Fathers' motivations in drafting the Constitution and viewed the results as a product of economic self-interest. Brimming with human interest, insights, and information every student of American history will prize, this volume -- one of the most controversial books of its time -- continues to prompt new perceptions of the supreme law of the land. "A staple for history and economics collections."--Library Journal. "Replete with human interest and compact with information of importance to every student of American history or of political science." -- Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science.;Title Page; Copyright Page; PREFACE; Table of Contents; CHAPTER I -- HISTORICAL INTERPRETATION IN THE UNITED STATES; CHAPTER II -- A SURVEY OF ECONOMIC INTERESTS IN 1787; THE DISFRANCHISED; GROUPS OF REAL PROPERTY HOLDERS; GROUPS OF PERSONAL PROPERTY INTERESTS; CHAPTER III -- THE MOVEMENT FOR THE CONSTITUTION; CHAPTER IV -- PROPERTY SAFEGUARDS IN THE ELECTION OF DELEGATES; CHAPTER V -- THE ECONOMIC INTERESTS OF THE MEMBERS OF THE CONVENTION; CHAPTER VI -- THE CONSTITUTION AS AN ECONOMIC DOCUMENT; THE UNDERLYING POLITICAL SCIENCE OF THE CONSTITUTIONS.