Originalism

This book examines the making of the Constitution in terms of three methods of comprehension, for lack of a better word, or themes that occur at different points in time. The first theme is the concept of originalism. This concept has to do with original meaning or intent of the framers, or authors, of the Constitution. What do they mean by the words and terms they chose to use in writing this historic document? Why do they chose these terms and words? And more than two hundred years later, how can we ascertain the original intent of various words and terms?

Rakove shows us how. The Secretary of the Convention, William Jackson, does not take adequate notes of the goings on in Philadelphia. But others, principally James Madison, do. The writings of Madison, Hamilton and others provide the insight that we need to examine the behind the scenes...