The defining document of the United States-explained in plain English
The U.S. Constitution and its 27 amendments are the foundation of our government, but this essential document is not very easy to understand. Now, in this entertaining and even-handed guide, constitutional expert Michael Arnheim walks readers through the text, discussing how various articles and amendments have guided legislators and judges, sparked ongoing debates, and continue to affect Americans daily lives. He explains all the big issues in plain English-from separation of church and state and freedom of speech to search and seizure and civil rights-and explains how the Constitution influences current discussions of the Patriot Act, the Electoral College, and voting irregularities.
Dr. Michael Arnheim (London, UK) is a practicing British barrister, mediator, author, and academic. He consults with various U.S. firms on constitutional issues.
U.S. Constitution For Dummies
Table of contents
Foreword xix
Introduction 1
Part I: Exploring Constitutional Basics 7
Chapter 1: Constitutional Law: The Framework for Governance 9
Chapter 2: Framing the U.S. Constitution: Big Thinkers, Big Thoughts 17
Chapter 3: Debating the Constitution 31
Chapter 4: Introducing . . . the Constitution! The Preamble and the Seven Articles 43
Chapter 5: Amending versus Interpreting the Constitution: Taking Time for Change 53
Part II: We the People: How the United States Is Governed 65
Chapter 6: Scrutinizing Sovereignty: Who Rules America? 67
Chapter 7: Federalism: Forming One out of Many 79
Chapter 8: Separation of Powers: To Each His Own 91
Chapter 9: Doing Business: The Commerce Clause101
Part III: Balancing the Branches of Government: The President, Congress, and the Judiciary 113
Chapter 10: Looking at the Role of Commander in Chief 115
Chapter 11: Giving Everyone a Voice: The House of Representatives and Senate 139
Chapter 12: "During Good Behaviour": The Judicial System 157
Chapter 13: You're Fired! Investigating the Impeachment Process 179
Part IV: The Bill of Rights: Specifying Rights through Amendments 193
Chapter 14: The First Amendment: Freedom of Religion, Speech, and Assembly 195
Chapter 15: The Second Amendment: Bearing Arms 207
Chapter 16: The Third and Fourth Amendments: Protecting Citizens from Government Forces 217
Chapter 17: Taking the Fifth - and a Bit of the Fourteenth 231
Chapter 18: Dealing with Justice and Individual Rights: The Sixth through Eighth Amendments 247
Chapter 19: The Ninth and Tenth Amendments: Leaving Things Up to the People and States 263
Part V: Addressing Liberties and Modifying the Government: More Amendments 277
Chapter 20: States' Rights, Elections, and Slavery: The Eleventh through Thirteenth Amendments 279
Chapter 21: The Fourteenth Amendment: Ensuring Equal Protection 291
Chapter 22: Starts, Stops, and Clarifications: Amendments since 1870 305
Part VI: The Part of Tens 321
Chapter 23: Ten Landmark Constitutional Cases 323
Chapter 24: Ten Influential Supreme Court Justices 329
Chapter 25: Two Sides of Five Constitutional Conundrums 337
Appendix: Constitution of the United States of America 345
801 777 223
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