Synopsis
The founding fathers of the United States were the authors of the United States Constitution which has served this country well for over two centuries. This book is about judicial activism. There are two important provisions of the Constitution which are involved in this discussion. First, the Constitution provides for the separation of powers in the Federal Government. Second, the Constitution guarantees to every state in the Union a Republican form of government, which gives the people of the States the power to govern themselves.
Judicial activism occurs when the United States Supreme Court exercises legislative power. President Washington cautioned those entrusted with the administration of the government to confine themselves within their respective constitutional spheres, avoiding in the exercise of the powers of one department to encroach upon another. When the Supreme Court legislates, it tends to impair the capacity of the State governments to govern themselves.
The book contains several historical sketches which describe the development of the rule of law, the development of the common law in England, the making of the United States Constitution, plus several sketches that describe some aspects of the legal systems in the United States.
The rule of law was a very important concept that was acquired by the original States from their colonial experience. When the departments of the United States government do not observe and respect the separation of powers, they do not follow the rule of law.
Also, included is a Chapter Entitled "The Judicial Assault on Religious Liberty".