Overview Chapter 2

This chapter describes how the principles of self- and limited government are embodied in the Constitution and explains the tension between them. The chapter also indicates how these principles have been modified in practice in the course of American history, then closes with a brief analysis of the contemporary situation. The main points that are discussed in the chapter are:

• America during the colonial period developed traditions of limited government and self-government.
• The Constitution provides for limited government mainly by defining lawful powers and by dividing those powers among competing institutions.
• The Constitution in its original form provided for self-government mainly through indirect systems of popular election of representatives.
• The idea of popular government--in which the majority's desires have a more direct and immediate impact on governing officials--has gained strength since the nation's beginning.