Orestes Brownson and the Liberal Tradition in America

Abstract

This essay describes Orestes Brownson’s general orientation to the American regime. As an initial starting point, comparisons are made between Brownson and the other great commentator on the American constitutional order, Alexis de Tocqueville. Brownson tends to emphasize general ideas whereas Tocqueville begins with particulars, but both recognize the unique relationship between religion and politics in America, which presents a new approach to Church-state arrangements in the modern world. Brownson is hopeful that American Catholics can take the lead in American affairs and serve as an example to the citizens of other nations, but this will require a robust educative formation in which love of Truth and love of country are both appropriately nourished.