Free Government in the Making Author:Alpheus Thomas Mason Readings in American Political Thought 1647-1961.Featuring the ideas and deeds of men, and drawn from primary sources, these readings confront the student with living issues. Topics include Revolutionary Ideas in Ferment (1754-1776), Getting the Constitution Adopted (1787-1788), The Nature of the Union (1820-1861), The New Deal (1932-1935).