Wills underlying theme throughout is the history of American distrust of government.
Among other problems with the book I think Wills basic contention is flawed. It is my assertion that Americans, in general, do not distrust the government. Each side has their pet projects, which they want government to protect. Conservatives often claim they want the government out of their lives but when it comes to outlawing abortion or placing the Ten Commandments in schools they whole-heartedly support government intervention. On the other side of the spectrum, liberals want the government to keep its mitts out of their marijuana patches but when it comes to hate speech or pornography then they too whole-heartedly embrace government intervention.