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American Exceptionalism: An Appraisal—Political, Economic, Qualitative, and Quantitative

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  • Lall B. Ramrattan
  • Michael Szenberg

Abstract

This article presents categorical, functional, and empirical arguments to appraise American Exceptionalism. We find these kinds of appraisals lacking in the literature, especially in areas such as politics, economics, history, and law where American Exceptionalism is most prevalent. First, we employ category theory to show how the structure of the arguments is related. Next, we specify functional relationships where it is possible to specify a model based on political, moral, psychological, and institutional foundations. Then six modal possibilities of physical, national, tyrannical, religious, constitutional, and economic nature emerge for further analysis. The focus then shifts to measurements, which enable empirical analyses of the three branches of government. Generally, while there is no shortage of criticism of American Exceptionalism, we are led to agree with Tocqueville that Americans are able to overcome their errors given the general openness of America’s institutions and political system.

Suggested Citation

  • Lall B. Ramrattan & Michael Szenberg, 2017. "American Exceptionalism: An Appraisal—Political, Economic, Qualitative, and Quantitative," The American Economist, Sage Publications, vol. 62(2), pages 222-246, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:amerec:v:62:y:2017:i:2:p:222-246
    DOI: 10.1177/0569434516672793
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Dicey, Albert Venn, 1915. "Introduction to the Study of the Law of the Constitution," History of Economic Thought Books, McMaster University Archive for the History of Economic Thought, edition 8, number dicey1915.
    2. Machlup, Fritz, 1978. "Methodology of Economics and Other Social Sciences," Elsevier Monographs, Elsevier, edition 1, number 9780124645509 edited by Shell, Karl.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    American Exceptionalism; United States; political system; institutions; government;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A10 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - General
    • E60 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - General
    • P17 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies - - - Performance and Prospects

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