America’s Forgotten Constitutions: Defiant Visions of Power and Community
America’s Forgotten Constitutions: Defiant Visions of Power and Community by Robert Tsai examines eight episodes in which groups challenged conventional ideas about constitutional authority and community. Its historical examples range from abolitionist and socialist projects to secessionist and racial-nationalist movements, making the book a study of dissent as well as constitutional history.
At a glance
- Robert Tsai surveys eight episodes of groups drafting alternative constitutions.
- Topics include abolitionism, Native American political claims, socialism, secession, internationalism, and racial nationalism.
- The book argues that constitutional ratification did not end debate over who constitutes the people or how authority should be exercised.
Reference price: $44.00
Price checked: Nov 14, 2026
View offerAhead of Black FridayExplore the selectionPros and cons
Pros
- Connects constitutional history with competing movements and political visions beyond the conventional national narrative.
- The eight-episode structure offers varied historical examples across different political traditions.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Publisher | Harvard University Press |
|---|---|
| Publication date | April 29, 2014 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 368 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0674059956 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0674059955 |
| Weight listed | 1.5 pounds |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 6.38 x 1.13 x 9.56 inches |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers of U.S. constitutional and political history interested in dissenting movements and competing ideas of citizenship.
- Students or general readers seeking historical examples of groups challenging established political authority.
Less suited to
- Readers looking primarily for a concise guide to the text of the U.S. Constitution or a neutral survey limited to mainstream constitutional doctrine.
Customer reviews on Amazon
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The listing provides aggregate ratings but no customer-comment summaries. The small rating sample is generally positive, though it cannot establish what readers particularly liked or identify specific concerns. Treat it as limited context rather than evidence about the book’s coverage or readability.
Frequently asked questions
What is America’s Forgotten Constitutions about?
Robert Tsai traces eight episodes in which groups drafted alternative constitutions and challenged established definitions of political community and authority.
Which movements and figures are covered?
The listing mentions John Brown, Robert Barnwell Rhett, Etienne Cabet, the Republic of New Afrika, University of Chicago academics who developed a world constitution, and the contemporary Aryan movement, among others.
How long is the book?
The listed print length is 368 pages.
Who is likely to find it useful?
Readers interested in U.S. constitutional history, political dissent, abolitionism, and competing visions of citizenship and power may find its range of cases relevant.
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