American Democratic Philosophy

[Miss Modular]

I've decided that I really need to read more on the Democratic philosophy that formed America or Early America, or something like that. Here's a short list of authors I know I should read:

Alexis de Touqueville (Yes, he's French, I know)
John Locke
Thomas Paine
Publius

Does anyone have books or other authors/philosophers to recommend?

[Preechr]

"The Law" by Frederick Bastiat. He's French too, lol

John Adams wrote some really good stuff... real smart guy

The Federalist Papers and the Anti-Federalist Papers are great, though a hard read if you need things laid out for you in a story line.

America was founded on blazingly Liberal ideals, which were developed in Europe. When I say "Liberal" I'm using the term as it existed before it was co-opted by Socialists then turned into an expletive by Rush Limbaugh. True Liberalism is all about freedom, and the American Revolution was particularly about Financial Freedom. It was all about Capitalism... yeah that's right... what did you expect from me?

Try some Adam Smith, then I'll make more recommendations...

[Preechr]

ooh ooh.. A History Of Wealth is a great read, and it's all up in the foundations of American History. Highly recommended!

[KevinTheOmnivore]

Maybe some Burke?

Also Robert Dahl and Bernard Bailyn (the latter is very, very dry, but informative).