America's Founding Fathers shared similar beliefs on the nature of civic life and the character of those supposed to be able to self-govern. Although they studied the failed republics of the ancient world, they believed that classical ideals were still applicable to politics. This unique contribution to the literature on American Founding gathers leading thinkers who set out not to relate its history, but its intellectual underpinnings. They explore the Founding Fathers' assumptions about civic life, human nature, political institutions, private morality, aesthetics, education, and history. Chapters on natural law, the Judeo-Christian conception of human nature, the influence of Aristotle and Cicero, the symbolic role of architecture, and the importance of education help understand the foundations that led to the Declaration of Independence and a constitutional charter that aimed to be universal in its human aspirations.This authoritative work provides a conservative response to more liberal interpretations of America. It will enrich the debate on civic life and be a key resource to anyone interested in America's "experiment in ordered liberty."

1. Natural Law, God and Dignity  Robert George2. The Jewish and Christian Principles of the Founders   Michael Novak3. The Classical Roots of the American Founding  Carl Richard4. The Universal Principles of the American Founding Thomas G. West  5.  City as Teacher   Carroll William Westfall6. The Founders' Conception of Education for Civic Life    Daniel N. Robinson  7. Constitutionalism and Its Presuppositions    Hadley Arkes