The U.S. Constitution for Everyone: Features All 27 Amendments (Perigee Book)

by Mort Gerberg and Jerome B. Agel

Book Overview

History comes alive in this illustrated guide to the Constitution and all 27 Amendments. The Constitution has been in the news a lot recently. But most of us could probably use a refresher on this... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0399513051
• Release Date: March 1991
• Publisher: TarcherPerigee
• Length: 64 Pages
• Weight: 0.22 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.4" x 0.2" x 5.5"

Customer Reviews

Excellent primer on the Constitution

Fantastic! After an introduction and some background, has the entire Constitution (including all ammendments) along with comments about certain articles, significant people and interesting facts. The comments and commentary are on the page facing the text of the Consitution and clearly marked as to what comment goes to which portion of the text. Very illuminating. There were many things I was not aware of before I read this book, including how contentious the proceedings were and how some of the "genius" elements were comprimises no one was really satisfied with at the time. Highly recommended.

Easily navigate the antiquated legalese...

This tiny book, though now a little outdated (it was originally published to commemorate the two hundreth anniversary of the 1787 Constitutional Convention), still provides a good introduction to America's "supreme law of the land". A living document, the Constitution has undergone numerous changes and additions since its inception. Someone unfamilar with its complex history will likely scratch their head and wrinkle their nose at the antiquated legalese of the original document. This book alleviates nose wrinkles and scalp chafing by providing brief explanatory notes on the Constitutional text. Ominous terms such as "habeas corpus" and "corruption of blood" get explained for the general reader. Not only that, the book underlines obsolete or overturned sections (e.g., the entire eighteenth amendment, related to prohibition, appears in underline, as do the sections related to slavery - i.e., the infamous "3/5 clause"). The notes and introduction also provide context, history, and the occassional explanatory cartoon (including a great one of Benjamin Franklin in a sedan chair). Assisted by this framework, anyone can understand the basics of the Constitution and its current state. Some surprises await those unfamiliar with the document. For example, Article 1, Section 9, Subsection b allows the suspension of "habeas corpus" (i.e., the right to a hearing in court to outline the charges) in cases of "rebellion", "invasion", or "public safety". Frighten squeamish friends or help others construct elaborate conspiracy theories with that one. Also, citizens have only directly voted for Senators since 1913. Previously, state bodies elected them. These and many other surprises lurk in the explanatory notes. Every current or prospective United States citizen should know the Constitution cold (especially the first ten amendments). The now venerated and wizened old parchment adumbrates U.S. Federal governmental structure and individual rights that apply to everyone under its jurisdiction. But its age and general inaccessability will likely leave skeptical newcomers wondering why they even bothered. Thankfully, "The U.S. Constitution for Everyone" provides an accessible and readable introduction to this continually changing and painstakingly reinterpreted document. Those already familiar with the Constitution should look elsewhere for more detailed information, but newcomers will gain much from this very short read. Be a citizen already and read it.

A great little reference

While not being overly ambitious, this little book explains the meanings of the most important parts of the US Constitution and its amendments and puts them in historical perspective at the same time.It is most revealing to know what a founding father's reason was for suggesting a certain clause or section that defines our not quite a democracy. This is a great quick reference to keep on hand.

Highly recommended

As a lawyer, I studied constitutional law in law school. Nonetheless, I find this pocket copy of the US Constitution to be extremely valuable. Notes and annotations on the facing pages make the constitution easy to navigate for even the novice. Everyone should read the Constitution from beginning to end and with the commentaries in this short book, our fundamental law is understandable to all readers. I highly recommend it.

Informative and entertaining

I am no constitutional scholar, but I have made a point of knowing what the Constitution says, and what its framers had to say in the Federalist papers. My attempts to get others to read the Constitution have met limited success, and I'm constantly on the lookout for ways to make it as painless as possible for them. THIS BOOK WILL DO IT. The text of the Constitution on the left page, and Gerberg's running commentary with explanations, cross references to other sections, and background anecdotes on the right make this a readable addition to anyone's library. We have several copies of the Constitution in different formats in our library. This edition will have a permanent spot on our shelf.