We Still Hold These Truths

We Still Hold These Truths examines the foundational principles of the United States and their role in American governance. Author Matthew Spalding, a constitutional scholar and academic leader, presents a detailed analysis of how these core values shaped the nation's early development. The book traces the evolution of American political thought from the country's founding through modern times. It outlines key constitutional principles and documents how these ideas influenced the formation of American institutions and policies. Spalding's work critiques Progressive Era reforms and modern liberal policies, arguing they represent a departure from the nation's founding ideals. He provides specific examples of policy changes and governmental shifts that he sees as contradicting original constitutional intentions. This historical analysis raises fundamental questions about constitutional interpretation and the relationship between founding principles and contemporary governance. The text contributes to ongoing debates about American political identity and the proper role of government in society.

Readers describe this book as a clear explanation of America's founding principles from a conservative perspective. Many cite it as helpful for understanding constitutional originalism and natural rights philosophy. Positive reviews highlight: - Clear writing style that makes complex ideas accessible - Strong historical examples and citations - Logical organization of core principles - Useful for teaching civics and history Critical reviews mention: - Conservative bias in interpretations - Oversimplified treatment of opposing views - Too much focus on original intent vs. evolution of principles - Some repetitive sections Ratings: Amazon: 4.7/5 (166 reviews) Goodreads: 4.2/5 (108 ratings) Sample review quote: "Spalding does an excellent job explaining natural rights theory and why it matters, though he could have better addressed progressive counterarguments." - Goodreads reviewer The book appears most popular with readers interested in conservative constitutional interpretation and American founding principles.

The Federalist Papers These original essays by Hamilton, Madison and Jay present the direct arguments for the Constitution and explain the foundational principles that We Still Hold These Truths examines.

Liberty and Tyranny: A Conservative Manifesto by Mark Levin The text provides a constitutional framework for examining modern governance through the lens of founding principles and original intent.

The Theme Is Freedom by M. Stanton Evans This historical analysis traces the development of American liberty through religious and cultural traditions that shaped the nation's founding documents.

The Heritage Guide to the Constitution by Edwin Meese III This clause-by-clause examination of the Constitution connects founding principles to contemporary interpretation and application.

Natural Rights and the Right to Choose by Hadley Arkes The philosophical arguments about natural rights and their role in American governance align with Spalding's focus on first principles.

🔷 Matthew Spalding serves as Vice President of Washington Operations at Hillsdale College and Dean of the Van Andel Graduate School of Government at Hillsdale's D.C. campus. 🔷 The title references the Declaration of Independence's famous phrase "We hold these truths to be self-evident," connecting modern political discourse with America's founding document. 🔷 The book was published in 2009, during a period of intense national debate about the role of government and constitutional interpretation in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. 🔷 The progressive era (1890s-1920s), which the book extensively analyzes, saw the passage of four constitutional amendments in just seven years: the 16th, 17th, 18th, and 19th. 🔷 Spalding draws heavily from The Federalist Papers, a collection of 85 articles and essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay to promote the ratification of the Constitution.