Construction Construed, and Constitutions Vindicated (1938)

Focusing on the political and intellectual landscape of the early 19th century South, this significant work by John Taylor of Caroline addresses critical post-War of 1812 issues, including Supreme Court rulings and economic policies. Taylor argues that developments like paper money and protective tariffs threaten the foundations of American republicanism and the balance of power between state and federal governments. He critiques what he perceives as a corrupting influence of an "artificial capitalist sect" that jeopardizes the virtue of the American populace, laying groundwork for Southern constitutional theories leading to secession.