- This is a landmark study of the 1938 New York State Constitutional Convention, examining the process of constitutional reform through both theoretical insight and empirical investigation. It is considered a pioneering example of combining political theory with field observation, long before political ethnography became popular. The book begins by challenging common myths about constitutional neutrality, arguing that all constitution-making is inherently political. The authors then provide a richly detailed account of the New York convention, exploring its political context, delegate behavior, partisan dynamics, interest group pressures, and the eventual return of proposals to the voters. Far from presenting a sanitized or idealized view, the study emphasizes that constitution-making is deeply enmeshed in the realities of party strategy, patronage, and competing interests. Charts and maps illustrate regional voting patterns and amendment support, adding quantitative depth to the narrative. Published in 1943, during World War II, the book reflects on reforms prompted by the Great Depression and the New Deal era. Although the convention did not produce a new constitution, nine of its 44 proposed amendments were adopted, addressing labor rights, housing, and governance. The book was widely recognized for its realist approach and became a foundational text in political science and legal studies, offering a lasting model of constitutional analysis grounded in actual democratic practice.