Overview

In his ground-breaking book, the leading political philosopher Russell Hardin develops a new theory of liberal constitutional democracy. Arguing against the standard consensus theories, the author shows how social co-ordination on limited, sociological mutual advantage lies at the heart of liberal constitutionalism when it works to produce stable government.The book argues that liberalism, constitutionalism, and democracy are co-ordination theories. They work only in societies in which co-ordination of the important power groups for mutual advantage is feasible. It then goes on to examine and interpret the US constitution as motivated centrally by the concern with creating a government to enable commerce. In addition, the book addresses the nature of the problems that the newly democratic, newly market-oriented states face. The analysis of constitutionalism is based on its workability, not on its intrinsic, normative, or universal appeals. Hardin argues, similarly, there are harsh limits on the possibilities of democracy. In general, democracy works only on the margins of great issues. Indeed, it is inherently a device for regulating marginal political conflicts.

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9780199261680

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Reviews

ehe arguments in the book represent a significant contribution to the literature on constitutionalism and deserve to be read by anyone with an interest in rational choice theory, legal philosophy, and social and political philosophy. Economics & Philosophy Hardin's straight talking, critical analysis is often both brutal and acutely telling. The book includes a particularly good debunking of arguments for and about participation. Political Studies

Author Information

Russell Hardin is a Professor at the Department of Politics, New York University

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