'To the Common Sense of the People': Joseph Story's Dual Foundation for American Constitutionalism.

This article explores the views of Justice Joseph Story on American constitutionalism, specifically his belief in combining Lockean republicanism with common law principles. Story argued that educating the public about the Constitution would strengthen their attachment to it and protect American self-government. Scholars have debated Story's views, with some seeing him as a conservative opposed to democracy, while others argue he sought to preserve American constitutional principles. Story's Commentaries on the Constitution aimed to provide constitutional education to the public and build attachment to the Constitution and the union. The text also discusses Story's evaluation of the Articles of Confederation, highlighting their lack of authority and promotion of state sovereignty over unity. Overall, the text presents Story's work as a civic education tool to cultivate understanding and affection for the American government. [Extracted from the article]