""The Power of the Purse: A History of American Public Finance, 1776-1790"" is a comprehensive book written by Elmer James Ferguson. The book explores the financial history of the United States during the critical years of its founding, from the Declaration of Independence in 1776 to the ratification of the U.S. Constitution in 1789 and the establishment of the new federal government in 1790. Ferguson provides a detailed account of the financial challenges faced by the fledgling nation during this period, including the costs of the Revolutionary War, the struggle to establish a stable currency, and the debates over taxation and public debt. He also examines the key figures and institutions involved in American public finance, including Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury, and the Bank of North America, the country's first central bank.Throughout the book, Ferguson argues that the power of the purse ������� the ability to control public finances ������� was a crucial factor in shaping the new American government and its policies. He shows how debates over taxation and public debt were central to the development of American political culture and helped to establish the principles of federalism and limited government that continue to shape the country today.Overall, ""The Power of the Purse"" is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of American finance and the role of money in shaping the nation's political and economic development. It offers a detailed and nuanced account of the challenges and opportunities faced by the United States during its formative years, and sheds light on the enduring debates over taxation, debt, and public spending that continue to shape American politics today.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.