Be an active citizen. Know your Constitution! Ever wonder why the president has a Cabinet? Why there’s such thing as trial by jury? Why someday you’ll have to pay income tax, or why there are no Dukes, Duchesses, Counts, or Countesses in the United States? Because the Constitution says so–and so much more. And now, in The Constitution Decoded, the ideas, concepts, and rules that make America … concepts, and rules that make America are unpacked and explained in detail to help all of us, kids and parents too, become more informed citizens.
Written with impeccable clarity and illustrated in a style that brings America’s early days to life, this fascinating guide goes through the Constitution literally word by word, sentence by sentence, and idea by idea to give readers a true understanding of not only how the Framers envisioned the United States, but also why they made the choices they did. Here’s why, for example, the United States has three branches of government–legislative, executive, and judicial. It explains how bills become laws, why we have the right to free speech, how we can change the Constitution as our country evolves, and so much more.
Packed with historical context and figures, vocabulary, anecdotes, and trivia, this book is an accessible yet richly layered work that belongs in every family library.
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So …. about time I learned again, exactly what’s in our constitution and why, before someone tries to make it obsolete.
No really, it was pretty interesting to read now as an adult, when I was ready to “listen” at my own pace, and not having had to “listen” wbw in school.
I still read it in phases, just worked better for me, and now, I can always use it for future referencing, easily looking up just by word or phrase.
I think this is for any age–middle school age to–well, my age. Very informative, with breaking it down, and adding explanations, which were helpful. I thought opinions need not be added as we all have them, and wouldn’t want anyone to be swayed on the basis of our country.
I recommend this if anyone is the least bit interested in the USA and it’s inception.
I received an advance reader copy through Netgalley. I am voluntarily giving my own thoughts
Great little book to help us understand the Constitution. We all know, unless you’re a Constitutional lawyer or student, that it’s hard to completely understand. You may understand some parts, but not other parts. This book will help you with that. And I think it’s needed so much in our country today. For Americans to know their Constitution and understand it. It also has the Declaration of Independence and Articles of Confederation as well along with some definitions of words that would be good for us all to know or have on hand.
The Constitution So We Can Understand It
I love this book! It is a simplification of our Constitution and it’s amendments that anyone can understand. It is all there with historical points, original language, modern retelling, and definitions. Here is an occasional discussion of controversial items like ‘Executive Privileged’. This is as good as, or even better than what we learned in 9th grade Social Studies. It clearly lays out our Government as the Constitution delineates it. It also clearly talks about truths that fly in the face of the urban folklore like the separation of church and state which is never mentioned in the Constitution. I also found the source of the term ‘grandfather clause’ to be very interesting. It is written for the middle grades but is not bad for us adults, either. This is the kind of book that I would love to see in every household, schoolroom, and library. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.
Excellent Book to Dive Deeper into the Constitution
What a great way to learn about the Constitution! This book contains the actual words of the original articles of the Constitution as well as its amendments. Plus, they also include the full text of the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation in the back. As the publisher intends this for kids, the pages are moderately colorful with illustrations and cartoons of key people in American history.
What I liked is not only were the precise words of these documents shared, but for all parts of the Constitution, the authors also included a “translation” section (for lack of a better word). The original text is marked up with numbers that the child can then refer to if she or he needs a simple explanation for what the original words of the document mean. Most pages have a short section that gives insight into why the framers included a particular idea in the constitution. Where needed, the author provides definitions of constitutional words and phrases like ratification and writ of habeas corpus. Most parts of the Constitution had a section called Constitution in Action that showed how the particular article, section, or amendment has been applied, explains a key part of it, or how parts have been argued in the Supreme Court. Topics are wide ranging, including executive privilege, impeachment, juries, creating new states, repealing an amendment, and the Dred Scott decision—just to name a few.
Honestly, this book is exceptionally well done, breaking the Constitution down clearly and succinctly—and without bias. I love that it includes both the original text and the framers’ reasoning for it, as well as fascinating side stories and explanations that make the Constitution come alive. This is still a living, breathing document that guides (or should guide) our federal government. I think it would be an appropriate read for any American, child or adult. Those of us north of our majority should be reminded now and then about what precisely is in this landmark and foundational document of our country.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.