Surveys the history of the United States Constitution with descriptions of its structure, current function, and influence in our society.
Examines the influence of the constitution on U.S. culture, looks at misconceptions concerning it, and describes how the Constitution has been interpreted, defended, and attacked.
"Historian Michael Kammen presents here, for the first time, the documented history of the evolution of the American Constitution--from the early influential ideas of the state constitutions and The Articles of Confederation to the political writings of The Federalist papers and the dissenting views of the Anti-Federalist papers. Using personal correspondence between Madison, Washington, Jefferson, and others, Kammen re-creates the debates and behind-the-scenes negotiations that unfolded at the Philadelphia Convention of 1787 and the reflections, years later, of the founders on their brilliant, complex creation"--Back cover.
This handy guide helps readers understand, quickly and in nontechnical language, the US Constitution. Want to learn about the separation of powers, the emoluments clause, why slaves in colonial America were considered 3/5 of a person, gerrymandering, or why Congressional pay raises are limited? Historian Andrew Arnold provides a simple, non-partisan, line-by-line commentary with concise explanations of the Constitution's meaning and history, offering little known facts and anecdotes about all twenty-seven amendments, and discusses key Supreme Court cases through the ages.
Focusing on the latest developments, this book explores whether the US political system lives up to its promise to provide freedom and equality of opportunity for all. Starting with the Constitutional Convention, which drew up the framework of the political system, the book examines mechanisms designed to prevent the oppressive use of power before analyzing the ways that the elected branches of government use power in modern America. Readers are provided with thought-provoking material on which to base their own conclusions on the extent to which US institutions and political practices succeed.
Focusing on the latest developments, this book explores whether the US political system lives up to its promise to provide freedom and equality of opportunity for all. Starting with the Constitutional Convention, which drew up the framework of the political system, the book examines mechanisms designed to prevent the oppressive use of power before analyzing the ways that the elected branches of government use power in modern America. Readers are provided with thought-provoking material on which to base their own conclusions on the extent to which US institutions and political practices succeed.