Permissions – Preface – Acknowledgments – Prologue: "We, the People of the United States": Political Sovereignty and Its Influence on American Constitutionalism – "In Order to Form a More Perfect Union": The Social Contract and the Reclamation of American Independence – "Establish Justice": Impartiality and Equity under a Federal Constitution – "Insure Domestic Tranquility": A Unified Nation through a Balanced Government – "Provide for the Common Defense": Protecting a New Nation under the Constitution – "Promote the General Welfare": The Federal Government and the Public Good – "To Secure the Blessings of Liberty": The Protection of Personal Rights in the Constitution – Epilogue: "Do Ordain and Establish": The Constitution and the Modern American Citizen – Appendix A: Thoughts on Government – Appendix B: Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union – Appendix C: The Constitution of the United States – Bibliography – Index.