Herbert Croly and Critical Reconstruction of American Constitutionalism

There occurred great reform movements in American politics and society at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century——The Progressive Movements;consequently,in ideological and cultural sphere,emerged into the Progressive Thought in America.Herbert Croly,the leading progressive reformer during the Progressive Movement,theoretically criticized and reconstructed the old liberal constitutionalism of America.He pointed out that the constitutionalism of the Founders of America existed inherent faults.He advocated the following reform means:enhancement of the executive power,coordination between the executive boy and the legislative boy and the judicial review.In other words,he proposed that by means of transformation from classical liberalism to progressivism and based on maintaining the fundamental frame of the constitutionalism of America,reconstructed the American constitutionalism adjust to the new economical and political circumstances.