Bryan;

I agree with your statement about the general evolution of government towards stronger, more active, centralized control.

The ultimate devolution of course being revolution and some would espouse the opinon the Civil War as we know it should be considered a failed revolution. I'm not sure I buy that but it makes for a fun discussion.

When I made my original comment I was contemplating the absolute disregard for the Judiciary and implementation of "emergency powers" that Lincoln used. Give it to him, he was a smart lawyer, and he provided the road map that FDR used in the 30's to declare an "emergency" and extend executive branch power, including his attempt to manipulate the structure of the Supreme Court. All things that Lincoln had already managed to do 60 some odd years before.

John R.