This book describes the bitter power struggles of the Australian constitution's forging, and paints the founding fathers as implausible heroes who managed a profound historical achievement. It talks about parliaments, courts, judges and ministers not just as colourless instruments of the Constitution, but as the walking wounded of political psychology; and it sheds light on today's great constitutional controversies: Do we need a Bill of Rights? Can federalism work? How can parliament work better? Can we ever be a republic?