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When the question, How democratic is the Constitution? was answered with a resounding, Not at all, by Charles A. Beard in 1913, an intense debate resulted that has not subsided to this day. The essays in this collection, written by leading spokesman for a wide range of opposing views, will give the reader a sense of the intensity and complexity of the continuing debate.

Some of the authors accept a version of Beard's thesis, arguing that the Constitution was designed to protect the wealthy by frustrating popular rule, that is is an artistocratic document garbed in democratic rhetoric, or that is is a middle-of-the-road compromise between radical democrats and "accomodating conservatives." Other authors reject the Beardian thesis, maintaining that the Constitution is unqualifiedly democratic, that is is designed to establish a "deliberative democracy," or that its seemingly undemocratic institutions are intended to secure rights for all.

Robert A. Goldwin is a resident scholar of constitutional studies at AEI.