Ex Uno Plura

by McHugh, James T.

• ISBN13: 9780791457498
• ISBN10: 0791457494
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2003-07-01
• Publisher: State Univ of New York Pr

Summary

"State Constitutions have become increasingly important in light of recent trends in jurisprudence that favor decentralizing the American federal system. Ex Uno Plura uses a political culture approach to explore eight state constitutional traditions. McHugh argues that state jurisprudence is not merely a reflection of the process, values, and decisions found at the federal level, especially through the influence of the Fourteenth Amendment. A close examination of separate state constitutions, including their origins, sociopolitical cultures, and jurisprudence, reveals historically, culturally, and philosophically unique characteristics, each of which will contribute to the ongoing debate concerning American judicial federalism. The states included are Alaska, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Utah, Vermont, and Wyoming."--BOOK JACKET.

Author Biography

James T. McHugh is Professor of Political Science and Chair of the Legal Studies Program at Roosevelt University.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Preface
Table of cases
Introduction. American Constitutionalism and Political Culture	p. 1
Alaska. Frontier Autonomy	p. 27
California. Diverse Microcosm	p. 49
Georgia. Southern Republicanism	p. 78
Hawaii. A Multi-Ethnic Heritage	p. 107
Louisiana. Constitutional Patriarchy	p. 135
Utah. A Liberal Theocracy	p. 161
Vermont. A Republic Apart	p. 192
Wyoming. Communitarian Ideal	p. 221
Conclusion	p. 249
Notes	p. 255
Index	p. 319
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