European University Institute Library

James Madison and the spirit of republican self-government, Colleen A. Sheehan

eng

index present

non fiction

James Madison and the spirit of republican self-government

electronic resource

dictionaries

654775378

Colleen A. Sheehan

Cambridge Social Sciences eBooks

In a study that combines an in-depth examination of Madison's National Gazette essays of 1791–2 with a study of The Federalist, Colleen Sheehan traces the evolution of Madison's conception of the politics of communication and public opinion throughout the Founding period, demonstrating how 'the sovereign public' would form and rule in America. Contrary to those scholars who claim that Madison dispensed with the need to form an active and virtuous citizenry, Sheehan argues that Madison's vision for the new nation was informed by the idea of republican self-government, whose manifestation he sought to bring about in the spirit and way of life of the American people. Madison's story is 'the story of an idea' - the idea of America.--, Provided by publisher

Introduction: Madison's legacy -- Republican opposition -- The Federalist agenda -- Madison and the French Enlightenment -- The commerce of ideas -- The politics of public opinion -- Madison and Jefferson : an appeal to the people -- The spirit of republican government -- Epilogue: The philosopher's stone and the poet's reprise

James Madison & the Spirit of Republican Self-Government