Celebrate 250 years of American history: “The Democracy We Must Keep: Seven founders, nine documents, and the ideas that shaped America,” is the theme of the powerful new book by historian David O. Stewart
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David O. Stewart tell us why this is "The Democracy We Must Keep"
"What did America’s founders say about democracy—and can we remain true to their vision for America?" asks historian David O. Stewart, explaining, "Two hundred fifty years ago, passionate men attempted to create something the world had never seen before: a nation built not on kings or armies, but on ideas where the people ruled." Don't miss this interview with Elaine's Literary Salon show host Jeffrey James Higgins.
Meet the Author: A trial and appellate lawyer for many years, David writes history and historical novels. He has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Washington Independent Review of Books, was a reporter for the Staten Island Advance, and for 10 years wrote the monthly Supreme Court column for the American Bar Association Journal. He has also done on-air commentary for CNN, C-SPAN, Bloomberg News, and MSNBC.
About his newest book, The Democracy We Must Keep:
What did America’s founders say about democracy—and can we remain true to their vision for America?
Two hundred fifty years ago, passionate men attempted to create something the world had never seen before: a nation built not on kings or armies, but on ideas where the people ruled.
“The Democracy We Must Keep,” by David O. Stewart
In The Democracy We Must Keep, historian David O. Stewart takes readers inside the nine key documents that shaped the formation of the United States—from Patrick Henry’s thunderous cry for liberty to the carefully crafted design of a government chosen by the people, with limits on all officials holding power under the Constitution.
Through the words of seven visionary founders—Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Hamilton, Gouverneur Morris, and others—Stewart shows how a fragile experiment in self-government took shape.
These men were not saints. They argued passionately. They worried that the new nation might fall apart. Yet together, they forged the principles that must still define American democracy: That power must be limited. That leaders must answer to the people. That individual rights must be protected by law.
As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, The Democracy We Must Keep urges readers to rediscover core ideas that built the nation—and to consider what it will take to protect them.
Accessible, engaging, and timely, this book is for anyone who wants to understand how American democracy started, and why it still matters.
“George Washington,” by David O. Stewart
More about David’s books: His narrative histories have won seven awards from historical and literary organizations, and include:
- George Washington: The Political Rise of America’s Founding Father, which the Wall Street Journal, called “an outstanding biography” with “clear, often superlative” writing.
- The Summer of 1787: The Men Who Invented the Constitution, focuses on the compromises that produced the U.S. Constitution, and the men who hammered them out.
- Impeached: The Trial of President Andrew Johnson and the Fight for Lincoln’s Legacy grows from my defense of a Senate impeachment trial.
- American Emperor: Aaron Burr’s Challenge to Jefferson’s America, explores Aaron Burr’s Western expedition of 1806-07, which landed Burr on trial for treason.
- Madison’s Gift: Five Partnerships That Built America– examines James Madison’s talent for working with leaders of the Founding Era.
My historical fiction includes two series: The Deception trilogy features the unlikely partnership of Dr. Jamie Fraser and ex-ballplayer Speed Cook. In The Lincoln Deception, they explore the secrets behind the Lincoln assassination. The Paris Deception places them at the Paris Peace Conference of 1919, and in The Babe Ruth Deception, they struggle to protect the slugger from gangland violence and the Black Sox scandal. The Overstreet saga begins with The New Land, which follows a German family to the Maine coast in 1753, where they face hardship and war. Book Two (The Burning Land) traces descendants through the Civil War era.
Click here to buy David’s books.
About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com
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