The Annotated U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence

The Annotated U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence PDF

Author: Jack N. Rakove

Publisher: Harvard University Press

Published: 2012-10-22

Total Pages: 367

ISBN-13: 0674066227

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Here in a newly annotated edition are the two founding documents of the United States of America: the Declaration of Independence (1776), our great revolutionary manifesto, and the Constitution (1787Ð88), in which ÒWe the PeopleÓ forged a new nation and built the framework for our federal republic. Together with the Bill of Rights and the Civil War amendments, these documents constitute what James Madison called our Òpolitical scripturesÓ and have come to define us as a people. Now a Pulitzer PrizeÐwinning historian serves as a guide to these texts, providing historical contexts and offering interpretive commentary. In an introductory essay written for the general reader, Jack N. Rakove provides a narrative political account of how these documents came to be written. In his commentary on the Declaration of Independence, Rakove sets the historical context for a fuller appreciation of the important preamble and the list of charges leveled against the Crown. When he glosses the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the subsequent amendments, Rakove once again provides helpful historical background, targets language that has proven particularly difficult or controversial, and cites leading Supreme Court cases. A chronology of events provides a framework for understanding the road to Philadelphia. The general reader will not find a better, more helpful guide to our founding documents than Jack N. Rakove.

The Conscience of the Constitution

The Conscience of the Constitution PDF

Author: Timothy Sandefur

Publisher: Cato Institute

Published: 2013-11-12

Total Pages: 217

ISBN-13: 1939709040

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The Conscience of the Constitution: The Declaration of Independence and the Right to Liberty documents a forgotten truth: the word “democracy” is nowhere to be found in either the Constitution or the Declaration. But it is the overemphasis of democracy by the legal community–rather than the primacy of liberty, as expressed in the Declaration of Independence–that has led to the growth of government power at the expense of individual rights. Now, more than ever, Sandefur explains, the Declaration of Independence should set the framework for interpreting our fundamental law. In the very first sentence of the Constitution, the founding fathers stated unambiguously that “liberty” is a blessing. Today, more and more Americans are realizing that their individual freedoms are being threatened by the ever-expanding scope of the government. Americans have always differed over important political issues, but some things should not be settled by majority vote. In The Conscience of the Constitution, Timothy Sandefur presents a dramatic new challenge to the status quo of constitutional law.

The Constitution of the United States and The Declaration of Independence

The Constitution of the United States and The Declaration of Independence PDF

Author: Delegates of The Constitutional Convention

Publisher: Racehorse

Published: 2019-02-12

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781631584824

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Including a new introduction by eminent civil libertarian and New York Times bestselling author Alan Dershowitz, this edition of the US Constitution is a must-have for all Americans and anyone interested in American history. This quick, easy reference for our federal government’s structure, powers, and limitations includes: Introduction by Alan Dershowitz (author of the New York Times bestseller The Case Against Impeaching Trump) The Constitution of the United States The Bill of Rights All Amendments to the Constitution The Declaration of Independence The Constitution of the United States and The Declaration of Independence are two of the most important documents in American history. Conveying the principles on which the country was founded and providing the ideals that still guide American politics today, these are the seminal works from which the foundation of America was built. Signed by the members of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787, The Constitution outlines the powers and responsibilities of the three chief branches of the federal government, as well as the basic rights of the citizens of the United States. The Declaration of Independence was crafted by Thomas Jefferson in June of 1776 and it provides the basis of all American political philosophy and civil liberties. Collected here in one affordable, pocket-sized volume are some of the most valued pieces of writing in American history. Every American, regardless of political affiliation, should own a copy.

The Declaration of Independence and The Constitution of the United States

The Declaration of Independence and The Constitution of the United States PDF

Author:

Publisher: Bantam Classics

Published: 2008-04-29

Total Pages: 114

ISBN-13: 0553904973

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Together in one book, the two most important documents in United States history form the enduring legacy of America’s Founding Fathers including Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton. The Declaration of Independence was the promise of a representative government; the Constitution was the fulfillment of that promise. On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress issued a unanimous declaration: the thirteen North American colonies would be the thirteen United States of America, free and independent of Great Britain. Drafted by Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration set forth the terms of a new form of government with the following words: "We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness." Framed in 1787 and in effect since March 1789, the Constitution of the United States of America fulfilled the promise of the Declaration by establishing a republican form of government with separate executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The first ten amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, became part of the Constitution on December 15, 1791. Among the rights guaranteed by these amendments are freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, and the right to trial by jury. Written so that it could be adapted to endure for years to come, the Constitution has been amended only seventeen times since 1791 and has lasted longer than any other written form of government.

The Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution

The Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution PDF

Author: Richard Beeman

Publisher: Penguin

Published: 2012-08-28

Total Pages: 178

ISBN-13: 0143121960

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What is the President, Congress, and the Supreme Court really allowed to do? This unique and handy guide includes the documents that guide our government, annotated with accessible explanations from one of America's most esteemed constitutional scholars. In one portable volume, with accessible annotations and modernizing commentary throughout, Richard Beeman presents The Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. Beeman has created a fascinating apparatus for understanding the most important document in American history—and why it’s as central in the America of today as it was in creation of the country. Penguin presents a series of six portable, accessible, and—above all—essential reads from American political history, selected by leading scholars. Series editor Richard Beeman, author of The Penguin Guide to the U.S. Constitution, draws together the great texts of American civic life to create a timely and informative mini-library of perennially vital issues. Whether readers are encountering these classic writings for the first time, or brushing up in anticipation of the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, these slim volumes will serve as a powerful and illuminating resource for scholars, students, and civic-minded citizens.

The Constitution of the United States (A True Book: American History)

The Constitution of the United States (A True Book: American History) PDF

Author: Christine Taylor-Butler

Publisher: Scholastic Inc.

Published: 2022-07-19

Total Pages: 52

ISBN-13: 1338856634

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Learn how The Constitution came to be and how important it still is today. A True Book: American History series allows readers to experience the earliest moments in American history and to discover how these moments helped shape the country that it is today. This series includes an age appropriate (grades 3-5) introduction to curriculum-relevant subjects and a robust resource section that encourages independent study. This book discusses the meaning and purpose of a constitution; recounts reasons why the United States needed one in the 1780s and the events of the Constitutional Convention; and describes the Constitution's main points and how it has changed.

The Three Documents That Made America

The Three Documents That Made America PDF

Author: Sam Fink

Publisher: Blackstone Publishing

Published: 2012-05-01

Total Pages: 60

ISBN-13: 1620641968

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For the first time ever, the complete founding documents of the United States of America are here in one unabridged recording-the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and the Bill of Rights. Sam Fink, award-winning author of the highly acclaimed illustrated book of The Declaration of Independence, provides concise introductions.