This book investigates the evolution of the United States military from its constitutional inception in 1789 through its bicentennial in 1989. Richard H. Kohn, a distinguished historian of American military affairs, examines the complex relationship between the military and the civilian government, tracing how the Constitution shaped the armed forces and how the armed forces, in turn, influenced American society and politics. The work analyzes the persistent tension between military needs and constitutional principles, exploring the development of civil-military relations over two centuries.

This comprehensive historical analysis by Richard H. Kohn is recognized for its in-depth examination of the U.S. military's constitutional underpinnings and its two-century evolution. Scholars in military history and American political science regard it as a significant contribution to understanding the enduring interplay between the armed forces and civilian governance. The book is noted for its detailed research and its nuanced perspective on the challenges of maintaining a military within a democratic framework.