Final answer:
In McNabb v. United States, Justice Felix Frankfurter defined the history of liberty as a reflection of the actions of ordinary citizens, lawyers, and politicians who have been vigilant in protecting constitutional liberties.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the case of McNabb v. United States, Justice Felix Frankfurter defined the 'history of liberty' primarily in terms of whether laws and other written documents alone have protected freedoms over the years. According to Justice Frankfurter, the history of liberty is a reflection of the actions of ordinary citizens, lawyers, and politicians who have been vigilant in protecting constitutional liberties.
This means that the history of liberty is not solely dependent on laws or written documents but also on the active and ongoing efforts of people to safeguard their constitutional rights. It is through the vigilance and actions of individuals and groups that the balance between liberty and order is maintained.
For example, the story of the First Amendment is a continuing struggle to find a balance that everyone can live with. The Supreme Court, often with the leadership role, has played a crucial part in striking a workable balance between religious freedom and the proper role of government, but it is the people of the nation who have actively participated in shaping the history of liberty.