Eleanor Finch
The United States Constitution is a complex document that outlines the country's fundamental laws and principles. It is essential for Americans to understand the Constitution to grasp how their government functions and how their individual freedoms are protected. In her book, How to Read the Constitution—and Why, legal expert and educator Kimberly Wehle offers valuable insights into interpreting this vital document. Wehle, a lawyer, law professor, and legal contributor, provides a comprehensive guide to the Constitution, covering topics such as the powers of the President, the system of checks and balances, and individual rights. The book is part of a series that includes other legal guides by Wehle, such as How to Think Like a Lawyer—and Why. Books-A-Million, a popular bookstore chain in the United States, offers a wide range of books, including legal guides, fiction, non-fiction, and more. With locations across 32 states, Books-A-Million provides convenient access to a variety of reading materials, making it an ideal place to find books like Wehle's that help readers understand essential documents like the Constitution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Author | Kim Wehle |
| Author's credentials | Lawyer, law professor, former Assistant United States Attorney, Associate Counsel in the Whitewater Investigation, legal contributor for ABC News |
| Publisher | Amazon |
| Format | Kindle book, Kindle Unlimited, paperback |
| Content | How the Constitution's protections are eroding, the powers of the President, how the three branches of government are designed to hold each other accountable, individual rights, why it's important for Americans to understand how the Constitution works |
| Other books in the series | What You Need to Know About Voting—and Why, How to Think Like a Lawyer—and Why, Pardon Power: How the Pardon System Works—and Why |
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What You'll Learn
The importance of understanding the Constitution
The United States Constitution is the most significant document in the country. It established the United States government and determined its relationship with the people and the individual states. The Constitution is remarkably concise, with the original text comprising only 4,200 words, and all its amendments made over the course of two hundred years adding just another 3,000 words.
Despite its brevity, the Constitution has endured and adapted to meet the needs of a nation that has grown and changed enormously. The Constitution's succinctness has allowed it to remain largely intact, with infrequent amendments. However, to truly understand the Constitution and constitutional issues, one must also consider the history of important Supreme Court decisions, general US history, and the underlying political philosophy and legal theory.
The Constitution's protections are eroding, and it is becoming increasingly important for Americans to understand how it works and to protect it. Books like "How to Read the Constitution and Why" by Kim Wehle provide an accessible guide to understanding the Constitution, covering significant aspects such as the powers of the President, the three branches of government, and individual rights. Understanding the Constitution empowers citizens to maintain an accountable government and safeguard the freedoms it enshrines.
The Constitution's endurance and adaptability demonstrate its importance as the foundation of American government and society. It is a living document that has shaped the nation's history and continues to guide its present and future. By understanding the Constitution, citizens can ensure their rights are protected and hold their government accountable to the principles it establishes.
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The powers of the President
The President of the United States is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces, including all federalized militias. This means that the president has the power to launch, direct, and supervise military operations, order or authorise the deployment of troops, and unilaterally launch nuclear weapons. However, the power to declare war is vested in Congress. The president can also form military policy with the Department of Defence and Homeland Security.
The president has the power to sign or veto legislation, ask for the written opinion of their Cabinet, convene or adjourn Congress, grant reprieves and pardons, and receive ambassadors. They may also appoint and remove executive officers, and direct officials on how to interpret the law and on staffing and personnel decisions.
The president can make treaties, which need to be ratified by two-thirds of the Senate, and is responsible for foreign-affairs functions not granted to Congress or shared with the Senate. They may also fill vacancies that happen when the Senate is in recess.
In times of war or national emergency, Congress may grant the president broader powers to manage the national economy and protect the security of the United States. Within the executive branch, the president has broad powers to manage national affairs and the priorities of the government. They may unilaterally issue rules, regulations, and instructions, though these may not be published.
To learn more about the powers of the president, you may be interested in reading *How to Read the Constitution and Why* by legal expert and educator Kim Wehle, or *How to Read the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence* by former FBI agent and university professor Paul Skousen.
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Individual rights and freedoms
The US Constitution is the oldest written national constitution still in use and defines the basic rights of citizens. The Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the Constitution, was added to limit federal government powers and protect individual liberties. James Madison wrote the amendments to address concerns from Anti-Federalists, who wanted power to remain with state and local governments.
The First Amendment protects the right to free speech and freedom of religion. The government cannot make laws establishing a religion or target laws at specific religious practices. It also protects the right to peaceably assemble and petition the government. The Second Amendment protects the right to keep and bear arms, and the Third Amendment states that no soldier can be housed in a private home without the owner's consent.
The Fourth Amendment protects citizens from unreasonable government intrusion into their homes by requiring a warrant. The Fifth Amendment prohibits the federal government from depriving any person of life, liberty, or property without due process. In criminal cases, it guarantees a speedy public trial with an impartial jury and prohibits double jeopardy. The Eighth Amendment prohibits cruel and unusual punishment, and the Fourth and Fifth Amendments prohibit unreasonable search and seizure and compelled self-incrimination.
The Constitution also protects the rights of people with disabilities through federal disability rights laws. It guarantees rights regardless of immigration status, and students' rights to wear ceremonial tribal regalia during graduation.
Books such as Kimberly Wehle's How to Read the Constitution and Why and Paul Skousen's How to Read the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence provide accessible guides to understanding the Constitution and the rights it guarantees.
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How to protect the Constitution
The Constitution is the most significant document in America, but it is written in legal language from over 200 years ago, making it challenging to understand. To truly understand constitutional issues, one must be familiar with the Constitution, the history of important Supreme Court decisions, general US history, and the underlying political philosophy and legal theory.
Kim Wehle's book, *How to Read the Constitution-and Why*, is a valuable resource for those who want to understand the Constitution and its significance. It covers various aspects, including the powers of the President, the three branches of government, and individual rights such as free speech, the right to bear arms, and the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. Wehle emphasizes the importance of Americans taking an active role in protecting the Constitution, as its protections are eroding.
Similarly, Paul Skousen's book, *How to Read the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence*, offers an easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide to understanding these foundational documents. Skousen provides visual tools, exercises, and memory aids to help readers navigate the complex language and concepts within the Constitution.
To protect the Constitution, it is essential to uphold the principles it enshrines. Congressman Warren Davidson emphasizes that every branch of government has a responsibility to defend it, not just the Supreme Court. This includes respecting the enumerated powers of the federal government and Congress, as outlined in the Constitution. Additionally, members of Congress and other officials take an oath to "support this Constitution," further emphasizing their duty to protect it.
Protecting the Constitution also involves safeguarding the rights and freedoms it guarantees. For example, the Fifth Amendment protects against self-incrimination and includes the Takings Clause, which prevents government officials from seizing private property without compensation. The First Amendment's Establishment Clause protects religious expression, ensuring that public institutions accommodate religious speech without imposing official prayers.
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The Constitution's historical context
The Constitution of the United States is a document dated September 17, 1787, and is the oldest written national framework of government in the world. The United States has been governed by this single framework for over two centuries. The Constitution was created by 55 men who assembled in Philadelphia in May 1787. They were tasked with revising the existing government, but instead, they created a completely new one. The delegates, representing a wide range of interests and views, crafted compromises to form a powerful central government. The Constitution includes an introductory paragraph titled "Preamble", a list of seven Articles that define the government's framework, an untitled closing endorsement with the signatures of 39 framers, and 27 amendments that have been adopted under Article V.
The Constitutional Convention of 1787 drew inspiration from various sources, including the political philosophies of Montesquieu, Locke, Edward Coke, and William Blackstone, as well as the Magna Carta and Enlightenment rationalism. The framers of the Constitution also grappled with the issue of slavery, with about 25 of the 55 delegates owning slaves themselves. While some had moral qualms about slavery, they believed that concessions on the slave trade were necessary to gain the support of southern delegates for a strong central government. The Constitution included protections for slavery, such as the Three-Fifths Compromise, which gave the South extra representation in the House of Representatives and the Electoral College.
The ratification process for the Constitution was a challenging campaign, with Federalists and Anti-Federalists battling over the creation of a powerful central government. The Federalists needed to convert at least three states, and the compromise of "vote now, amend later" helped secure victory in Massachusetts and the remaining holdout states. The Constitution was eventually ratified by 9 of the 13 states, enacting the new government.
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Frequently asked questions
The book "How to Read the Constitution—and Why", authored by legal expert and educator Kimberly Wehle, is an insightful and timely handbook that lays out in simple and common-sense language how the US Constitution works and what it means. It covers significant aspects of the text, including the powers of the President, the three branches of government, and individual rights.
Books-A-Million, also known as BAM!, is a popular bookstore chain in the United States, offering a wide range of books, magazines, manga, collectibles, toys, technology, and gifts. They provide convenient options like free shipping, same-day delivery, and in-store pickup. With a large network of stores and an online presence, Books-A-Million makes it easy for customers to find and purchase books like "How to Read the Constitution—and Why".
"How to Read the Constitution—and Why" is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding how the US government functions and the importance of protecting individual freedoms. The book highlights how the Constitution's protections are eroding and why Americans need to take action to safeguard them. It provides valuable insights into the powers of the government branches and the rights and freedoms that Americans are entitled to, making it a relevant and informative read.
