The Works of John Adams, Second President of the United States

Volume 6 of this 1850–6 compilation concludes Defence of the Constitutions (1787) and contains other writings on political theory.

John Adams (Author), Charles Francis Adams (Edited by)

9781108031622, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 19 May 2011

562 pages
21.6 x 14 x 3.2 cm, 0.71 kg

John Adams (1735–1826) was a highly educated and enlightened lawyer who became a central figure in the American Revolution. As a political theorist he influenced the constitutions of the former British colonies in America, and he is regarded, with Jefferson, as the father of the United States Constitution. First published in 1850–6, this collection brings together Adams' major writings. Given their influence not only on the United States, but also on other republics, Adams' works rank among the most important political writings of their time. Volume 6 contains the final part of Defence of the Constitutions, together with essays and correspondence on theories of government, including Discourses on Davila, written while Adams was Vice-President to George Washington. Adams proposes that a hereditary monarchy could act as a suitable balance in some societies. However, such 'reactionary' theories contributed to the breakdown of his friendship with Jefferson.

Part III. Defence of the Constitutions of Government of the United States of America Vol. III continued: 1. Marchamont Nedham. The right constitution of a commonwealth examined
2. Marchamont Nedham. Objections stated
3. Marchamont Nedham. Errors of government and rules of policy
4. Conclusion
Discourses on Davila, a series of papers on political history
Four letters, being an interesting correspondence between John Adams and Samuel Adams on government
Three letters to Roger Sherman on the constitution of the United States
Roger Sherman to John Adams, in reply
Letters to John Taylor of Caroline, Virgina, in reply to his strictures on some parts of the defence of the American constitutions
Review of the propositions for amending the constitution, submitted by Mr. Hillhouse to the Senate of the United States, in 1808.

Subject Areas: History of the Americas [HBJK]