Political Philosophy and Rhetoric
A Study of the Origins of American Party Politics

This book analyses the origins of modern party politics in America.

John Zvesper (Author)

9780521107440, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 2 April 2009

252 pages
21.6 x 14 x 1.5 cm, 0.33 kg

This book analyses the origins of modern party politics in America. Dr Zvesper argues that the partisan conflict between Federalists and Republicans in the 1790s was not merely an interesting historical sequel to the American Revolution and the framing of the Constitution, but was a confrontation of two of the fundamental alternatives of modern political philosophy. Consideration of this fact, along with evidence of the class structure of American society, is then used to explain why the Republican party was the natural superior in the dispute with Federalism, and why Republican philosophy and rhetoric have been so essential to American politics ever since.

1. Party government and party politics
Part I. The Federalist Project: 2. The Federalist science of politics
3. The confidence of unchallenged Federalism
Part II. The Origins of Party Politics: 4. The Federalist practice of politics and the origins of the Republican party, 1789–92
Part III. The Republican Persuasion: 5. The idealism of the Republican challenge
6. Principles and rhetoric in the critical elections of 1793–1800
7. Party politics and party government.

Subject Areas: Politics & government [JP]