"A Machine That Would Go of Itself" explores the evolution of the American political system and the concept of the Constitution as a self-regulating entity. The book delves into the metaphorical portrayal of the Constitution as a clockwork mechanism, designed to function autonomously. It examines the historical and cultural influences that have shaped American national identity and the enduring myth of the Constitution's perpetual efficacy. Through a detailed analysis of political, social, and intellectual developments, the author provides a critical examination of the complexities and contradictions inherent in the American democratic experiment.
The 8688th greatest book of all time