Federal Usurpation

"Evil for evil, a good despotism in a country at all advanced in civilization is more noxious than a bad one, for it is more relaxing and enervating to the thoughts, feelings, and energiesof the people."-John Stuart Mill, Considerations on Representative Government (1875)Federal Usurpation by Franklin Pierce (1908) details the origins of the Constitution and how its ideals have potentially been corrupted throughout history. The book starts with the Civil War and the Reconstruction and ends with suggestions on how a democratic republic can be restored. Written in a presidential election year, it may have swayed voters of the time, however, Pierce attempts to remain impartial. Readers interested in understanding US politics and government on a deeper level will want to add this timeless work to their personal library.