The Constitution

Describes, in simple terms, how the Constitution was conceived, written, and ratified in 1788, explaining the document's... (more)

Describes, in simple terms, how the Constitution was conceived, written, and ratified in 1788, explaining the document's basic concepts and Bill of Rights. (less)

Discusses the history of the Constitution and its impact on life in the United States. (more)

Discusses the history of the Constitution and its impact on life in the United States. (less)

Describes the need for unification in a growing country and discusses the problems and decisions of the men who drafted ... (more)

Describes the need for unification in a growing country and discusses the problems and decisions of the men who drafted the Constitution of the United States. (less)

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Explains why a constitution was needed; describes the convention in Philadelphia in 1787, the Virginia and New Jersey pl... (more)

Explains why a constitution was needed; describes the convention in Philadelphia in 1787, the Virginia and New Jersey plans, the Great Compromise, and the ratification process. (less)

Discusses the history of the United States Constitution, from events leading up to its creation and ratification more th... (more)

Discusses the history of the United States Constitution, from events leading up to its creation and ratification more than 200 years ago to some amendments that have been added as recently as 1971. (less)

Explores the preamble and individual articles of the United States Constitution, as well as how this important document ... (more)

Explores the preamble and individual articles of the United States Constitution, as well as how this important document was written, how it has developed through the years, and how it is enforced. (less)

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An introduction to the American Constitution, including why and how it was written and how it is amended. (more)

An introduction to the American Constitution, including why and how it was written and how it is amended. (less)

An introduction to the American Constitution, including why and how it was written and how it is amended. (more)

An introduction to the American Constitution, including why and how it was written and how it is amended. (less)

"An analysis of the U.S. Constitution, with information on how it was created and its impact on the United States and th... (more)

"An analysis of the U.S. Constitution, with information on how it was created and its impact on the United States and the world"--Provided by publisher. (less)

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"In The Constitution, constitutional scholar Michael Stokes Paulsen and his son Luke provide a clear, accessible introdu... (more)

"In The Constitution, constitutional scholar Michael Stokes Paulsen and his son Luke provide a clear, accessible introduction to the history and meaning of this historic document. Beginning with the Constitution's birth in 1787, Paulsen and Paulsen offera grand tour of its history and interpretations, introducing readers to the characters and controversies that have shaped this founding instrument in the 200-plus years since its creation. In order to properly judge contemporary readings of the Constitution, Paulsen and Paulsen argue, it is first necessary to understand the origins--and original meaning--of the document's articles and amendments. The Constitution itself has evolved into a more perfect document since its inception, they show, through the addition of amendments abolishing slavery, establishing civil rights, and broadening the right to vote. Yet the officials charged with interpreting the Constitution have often stretched its meaning far beyond its intended boundaries, substituting their own judgments for those of the Constitution's framers and reformers. In order to stay true to this essential American document, the authors argue, it is imperative that we, the people, know the meaning and history of each of the Constitution's components and allow ourselves to be guided by the intentions of its authors--not the opinions and whims of the judges charged with interpreting it. A lucid history of and guide to this foundational American document, The Constitution provides readers with the tools to think critically and independently about constitutional issues--a skill that is ever more essential to the continued flourishing of American democracy"-- (less)

"In The Constitution, constitutional scholar Michael Stokes Paulsen and his son Luke provide a clear, accessible introdu... (more)

"In The Constitution, constitutional scholar Michael Stokes Paulsen and his son Luke provide a clear, accessible introduction to the history and meaning of this historic document. Beginning with the Constitution's birth in 1787, Paulsen and Paulsen offer a grand tour of its history and interpretations, introducing readers to the characters and controversies that have shaped this founding instrument in the 200-plus years since its creation. In order to properly judge contemporary readings of the Constitution, Paulsen and Paulsen argue, it is first necessary to understand the origins--and original meaning--of the document's articles and amendments. The Constitution itself has evolved into a more perfect document since its inception, they show, through the addition of amendments abolishing slavery, establishing civil rights, and broadening the right to vote. Yet the officials charged with interpreting the Constitution have often stretched its meaning far beyond its intended boundaries, substituting their own judgments for those of the Constitution's framers and reformers. In order to stay true to this essential American document, the authors argue, it is imperative that we, the people, know the meaning and history of each of the Constitution's components and allow ourselves to be guided by the intentions of its authors--not the opinions and whims of the judges charged with interpreting it. A lucid history of and guide to this foundational American document, The Constitution provides readers with the tools to think critically and independently about constitutional issues--a skill that is ever more essential to the continued flourishing of American democracy"-- (less)

"Did you know the U.S. Constitution doesn't include the word democracy? Or that it took 10 long months to ratify? How ab... (more)

"Did you know the U.S. Constitution doesn't include the word democracy? Or that it took 10 long months to ratify? How about how much the clerk who handwrote the original copy of the Constitution was signed? (It was $30, by the way.) Find out all the extreme history behind one of our nation's most important documents"-- (less)

Examines, on the occasion of the 1987 bicentennial celebration in Philadelphia, the history and meaning of the document ... (more)

Examines, on the occasion of the 1987 bicentennial celebration in Philadelphia, the history and meaning of the document that forms the basis of government in the United States. (less)