Volume 15, Number 1 (1987)

Editor Notes

Special Issue Theme: Does the Constitution Govern?

The present volume is the second of a scholarly series initiated last year by the Journal of Political Science. The series was begun with an issue on the dynamics of political terrorism. Encouraged by the success of the first issue and the enthusiasm of our contributors, we have planned future issues on such themes as "Religion and Politics," which will appear in 1988. Future issues will emphasize themes that have currency and have engendered substantial national debate.

This volume is particularly timely and relevant. The articles that follow address the question of whether the United States Constitution governs. The unprecedented strength of the Constitution is not due to an absence of controversy, as the essays make clear. The editors and contributors to this volume have produced an exemplary work that will, we feel, be helpful in both the celebration and the comprehension of an unusual document, perhaps one that has provoked more argument than any other political formula.

The original articles included in this volume do not claim to be the last word on any area of controversy surrounding the Constitution. Rather, the editors and contributors have crafted a work that both analyzes and stimulates consideration of a system of government which has endured and even prospered through two centuries of ideological and technological challenges.

Martin W. Slann