Synopses & Reviews
Review
"Jensen's new book offers considerable insight and instruction. Jensen provides an intelligent dissection of the structural and historical effects of programmatic lawmaking, and, in the process, forces scholars of all persuasions to rethink the nature of entitlements." The Journal of Interdisciplany History
Review
"...adds significantly to our understanding of the early federal government." American Historical Review
Review
"Laura Jensen's account is rich at both substantive and methodological levels. As a matter of substance, Jensen persuasively recovers an early history for the federal administrative state." Law and History Review
Synopsis
Laura Jensen's book presents a novel account of the development of America's first entitlement policies. It is widely believed that the United States lagged far behind other countries in developing national social programs. Yet, as Jensen reveals in this new analysis, entitlements were an important Federal policy device from 1776 on. Used to stimulate positive actions in the service of government goals, Federal pension and land entitlements played a vital role in building the American state and nation.
Synopsis
Professor Jensen's book presents a novel account of the development of America's first entitlement policies.
Table of Contents
1. Entitlements in law and history; 2. Pensions for revolutionary patriots; 3. Revolutionary policies; 4. The 'public' lands and public welfare; 5. Expanding a nation, dissolving a union; 6. Entitlements and the constitution of the American nation.