Isabella Carter
The United States Constitution is the most significant document in America, outlining the country's founding principles and values. However, many Americans struggle to understand the Constitution's complex language and its relevance to their lives. How to Read the Constitution—and Why by legal expert and educator Kim Wehle offers an accessible solution. Wehle's book provides a comprehensive guide to the Constitution, covering topics such as the powers of the President, the three branches of government, and individual rights. By translating the Constitution into layperson-friendly terms, Wehle ensures that readers can grasp the document's meaning and significance in their lives. The book also emphasizes the urgency of protecting the Constitution, highlighting how its protections are eroding. Available as an eBook on Kindle, How to Read the Constitution—and Why is a valuable resource for Americans seeking to understand and safeguard their country's foundational document.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Author | Kim Wehle |
| Author's qualifications | Lawyer, law professor, legal contributor for ABC News, former Assistant United States Attorney, Associate Counsel in the Whitewater Investigation, author of several books |
| Book description | "An insightful, urgent, and perennially relevant handbook that lays out in common sense language how the United States Constitution works, and how its protections are eroding before our eyes—essential reading for anyone who wants to understand and parse the constantly breaking news about the backbone of American government." |
| Book contents | The Constitution in its entirety, the powers of the President, the three branches of government, individual rights (including free speech, the right to bear arms, the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures, and the right to an abortion), the importance of protecting the Constitution |
| Format | eBook, paperback |
| Publisher | Amazon |
| Publication date | June 25, 2019 |
| Page count | 353 |
| Reviews | "Accessible treatise… Wehle elegantly translates the Constitution into layperson-friendly terms." — Publishers Weekly |
| Similar books | How to Think Like a Lawyer—and Why: A Common-Sense Guide to Everyday Dilemmas (Legal Expert Series), The U.S. Constitution Simplified: A plainspoken guide to the founding principles of the United States, How to Read the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence: A Simple Guide to Understanding the Constitution of the United States |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The importance of understanding the US Constitution
The US Constitution is the most significant document in the country, and it is essential that Americans understand what it means for them. The Constitution is the backbone of the American government, and it is important that citizens can parse the constantly breaking news about it. The US Constitution is a novel governmental doctrine that introduced the idea of rule by popular consent, with laws drafted by the people's representatives. It is a living document that can be changed with enough support from the people and ratification by the states.
The Constitution is made up of the Preamble, seven articles, and 27 amendments. The first 10 amendments are known as the Bill of Rights. The document covers the powers of the President, the three branches of government, and individual rights, such as free speech, the right to bear arms, the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures, and the right to an abortion. It is important for Americans to understand how the Constitution works so that they can maintain an accountable government and protect their freedoms.
Kimberly Wehle, a legal expert and educator, has written a book called "How to Read the Constitution—and Why," which explains the meaning of the Constitution in clear, simple, and common-sense terms. Wehle covers nearly every significant aspect of the text and describes how the Constitution's protections are eroding. She argues that it has never been more important for Americans to understand and protect the Constitution.
Understanding the US Constitution is of paramount importance for Americans as it is the foundation of their government and legal system. It is a document that has had a global impact, with many countries citing it as an inspiration for their own constitutions and governmental practices.
Swearing In: Bible Required?
You may want to see also
How the Constitution's protections are eroding
The United States Constitution is a historically significant document written in the late 18th century. It is a foundational legal text that serves as a framework for America's governance, outlining the structure and powers of the government and establishing the rights of citizens. The Constitution includes provisions for states' relations and describes the process for amendments, ensuring adaptability over time.
However, in recent times, there have been concerns about the erosion of the Constitution's protections. In her book, "How to Read the Constitution—and Why," legal expert and educator Kim Wehle highlights this issue, arguing that the Constitution's protections are eroding not only in express terms but also due to changing legal and social norms that no longer uphold its legitimacy. She emphasizes the importance of understanding this “red flag" moment in American democracy.
One example of this erosion is the current administration's stance on the Constitution's limitations on presidential power. The book mentions how former President Trump insisted that the Constitution does not restrict his authority, particularly regarding his zero-tolerance immigration policy and his belief in his ability to pardon himself for any wrongdoing. This attitude toward the Constitution undermines its role as a check on executive power.
Additionally, developments in society and shifts in political, administrative, and institutional concepts have impacted the constitutional rights of federal employees. Supreme Court decisions have allegedly eroded the special legal status of federal employees, potentially reflecting a shift toward private sector practices.
The Constitution's protections are also being tested by modern issues not envisioned by the Founding Fathers, such as peyote use, X-rated films, and the Internet. These new challenges require interpretations of the Constitution's language and principles in a rapidly changing world.
Overall, the erosion of Constitutional protections is a pressing concern, and understanding this threat to the backbone of American government is essential for all citizens.
Japan's Constitution: Sovereign Power of the People
You may want to see also
The three branches of government
The US Constitution is the most significant document in America, outlining the powers and limits of the federal government. It is a document that every American should understand to protect the freedoms it enshrines.
The Constitution establishes a system of government with three branches: the executive, legislative, and judicial. Each branch has its own powers and duties, and they work together to hold each other accountable through a system of checks and balances.
The executive branch is headed by the President, who enforces the laws made by the legislative branch. The President is supported by the Cabinet, which includes the Vice President, heads of executive departments, and other high-ranking officials. The legislative branch, also known as Congress, is made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives. It is responsible for creating legislation and can also override the President's veto with a two-thirds majority vote. The judicial branch, which includes the Supreme Court and other federal courts, interprets the laws and ensures that they align with the Constitution.
Who Betrayed the Oath to the Constitution?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Individual rights
The US Constitution is the most significant document in America, outlining the country's founding principles and the government's powers. It also expressly protects certain rights and liberties for individuals from government interference.
The Bill of Rights, comprising the first ten amendments to the Constitution, guarantees specific freedoms and rights. These include:
- Freedom of religion
- Freedom of speech
- Freedom of the press
- Freedom of assembly
- Right to keep and bear arms
- Restriction on housing soldiers in private homes
- Protection against unreasonable search and seizure
- Protection against self-incrimination and double jeopardy
- Protection of property rights
Other rights protected by the Constitution are found elsewhere in the document, such as Article III's right to a trial by jury in criminal cases and the Fourteenth Amendment's Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses, which include the right to marry for same-sex couples.
The Ninth Amendment states that the listing of specific rights in the Constitution does not preclude the existence of other rights not explicitly mentioned. This highlights the dynamic nature of the Constitution, allowing for interpretations and additions over time to reflect societal changes and values.
Understanding individual rights is essential for maintaining an accountable government and safeguarding the freedoms that the Constitution enshrines for all Americans.
Weed Weight and Felony Charges in Pennsylvania
You may want to see also
Why the Constitution needs protecting
The United States Constitution is the most significant document in America, and it is essential that its citizens understand what it means for them. The Constitution outlines the founding principles of the United States, and it is a document that every American should care about, regardless of political affiliation.
The Constitution is a document that protects the rights of Americans, and it is a set of principles that the nation stands by to thrive. It is a document that ensures the government is held accountable, and it is a safeguard for individual freedoms. For example, the Constitution guarantees the right to free speech, the right to bear arms, the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures, and the right to a speedy trial. It also ensures that no religious requirements can be imposed on candidates for public office.
However, the protections of the Constitution are eroding, and it is under threat. Congress has been known to pass laws that are not within the authorities listed in the Constitution, and there have been infringements on the First, Second, and Fourth Amendments. The powers of the President are also a concern, with the executive branch making decisions that should be reserved for Congress.
It is the responsibility of every branch of the government to uphold the Constitution, and it is up to Congress to counterbalance the Supreme Court and the President when they veer off course. The Constitution is a document that Americans must protect, and if they do not, they could lose its protections forever.
Enlightenment Ideals: Framing the US Constitution
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The book, written by legal expert and educator, Kim Wehle, is an insightful handbook that lays out in simple and common-sense language how the United States Constitution works and how its protections are eroding. It covers significant aspects of the Constitution, including the powers of the President, the three branches of government, and individual rights.
Kim Wehle is an author, lawyer, law professor, and legal contributor for ABC News. She is also a former Assistant United States Attorney and Associate Counsel in the Whitewater Investigation. She has been a commentator for CBS News and a contributor for BBC World News and BBC World News America on PBS.
The book is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand how the United States Constitution works and why it needs to be protected. It provides a clear explanation of the Constitution's significance and how its protections are eroding, making it a valuable resource for those interested in maintaining an accountable government and protecting individual freedoms.
