Simone Lawson
What Is the Constitution? is a book written by Patricia Brennan Demuth, which introduces young readers to the history of the United States Constitution. It is written for middle-grade readers and provides an informative yet accessible overview of how the Constitution came into being. The book highlights the debates and compromises that took place between the original 13 states and the key figures involved, such as George Washington and Alexander Hamilton. With illustrations on almost every page, this book offers a captivating way to learn about the foundation of the United States government and has been praised by teachers and students alike.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Author | Patricia Brennan Demuth |
| Illustrator | Tim Foley |
| Series | Who HQ |
| Genre | Children's non-fiction |
| Target Audience | Middle-grade readers |
| Grade Level | 4 |
| Publication Date | 19 June 2018 |
| Format | Paperback, Kindle |
| Number of Pages | 4 |
| Main Focus | The United States Constitution |
| Additional Focus | The Declaration of Independence, the Revolutionary War, the creation of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights |
| Key Figures | James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, George Washington |
| States Involved | 13 original states, including Northern and Southern states, big and little states |
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What You'll Learn
The Declaration of Independence
The Constitution, signed on September 17, 1787, four years after the American War for Independence, laid out the supreme law of the land and defined the framework of the Federal Government of the United States. The Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the Constitution, outlines the rights of citizens and states in relation to the Government.
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The Revolutionary War
At the outset of the war, the prospect of victory for the colonial rebels seemed highly improbable. The British military was the most powerful in the world, and the colonial forces were disorganized and lacked the same level of resources and experience. However, what the colonial forces lacked in military might, they made up for in determination and a strong desire for freedom.
During the war, the individual colonies demonstrated a strong sense of independence, with soldiers from New Jersey, for instance, declaring their loyalty to their state rather than explicitly to America as a whole. This loyalty to one's state was rooted in the diverse histories and identities of each colony. The colonies had been settled at different times by different groups, resulting in varying customs, religions, and ways of life. For example, Puritans had settled in New England, while Quakers founded Pennsylvania, and the South was predominantly agricultural.
Despite these differences, the colonies were able to unite sufficiently to fight the war, held together by the Articles of Confederation. The war concluded in 1783 with the Treaty of Paris, which recognized American independence and established the boundaries of the new nation. The Revolutionary War laid the foundation for the creation of a new country and the formation of a constitution to define its governance.
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The United States Constitution
The Constitution is the result of fierce debates and tireless efforts by the Framers—fifty-five men from almost all of the original thirteen states. These men grappled with differing viewpoints and interests between the Northern and Southern States and big states and little ones. Key figures like James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and George Washington endured countless revisions to create a document that united the independent states under one nation.
The process of drafting the Constitution was challenging because people's identities were strongly tied to their individual states rather than the country as a whole. Each of the thirteen colonies had been settled by different groups, leading to distinct ways of life, religions, and customs. For example, Strict Puritans settled in New England, while Peace-loving Quakers founded Pennsylvania. The main language was English, but tens of thousands spoke German in Pennsylvania.
The Constitution is a concise four-page document that serves as a blueprint for the US government. It is written at a 17.8-grade reading level, showcasing the complexity of its ideas and language. The book "What is the Constitution?" by Patricia Brennan Demuth provides an engaging and accessible account of how the Constitution came to be, making it a valuable resource for both young readers and adults seeking a foundational understanding of this pivotal document in American history.
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The Bill of Rights
Patricia Brennan Demuth's book, "What Is the Constitution?", is a fascinating read that delves into the creation of the United States Constitution, a document that laid out the supreme law of the land. The book is geared towards middle-grade readers, providing an accessible and engaging way to learn about the Constitution and how it came to be.
Now, let's focus on the Bill of Rights, which is an integral part of the Constitution. The Bill of Rights comprises the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution and was added to address concerns raised by Anti-Federalists, who wanted to ensure limits on government power and safeguard individual liberties.
The amendments in the Bill of Rights include specific guarantees of personal freedoms and natural rights. For example, the First Amendment protects freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the freedom of the press. The Second Amendment guarantees the right to keep and bear arms, and the Third Amendment prohibits the quartering of soldiers in civilian homes without consent. Other amendments protect citizens' rights against unreasonable searches and seizures, ensuring that warrants are issued only upon probable cause.
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The Founding Fathers
"What is the Constitution?" by Patricia Brennan Demuth is a book written for middle-grade readers that provides an overview of how the United States Constitution came into being. The book is part of the "Who HQ" series, which features other titles by Demuth, such as "Who Was Bill Gates?", "What Was Ellis Island?", "What Was Pearl Harbor?", and "Who Was Charlie Chaplin?".
The book "What is the Constitution?" takes readers on a journey back to the years following the American War for Independence, when the thirteen American colonies declared themselves a free nation in the Declaration of Independence in July 1776. It explores how, despite winning the war against Great Britain, the thirteen colonies (now independent states) struggled to unite as a nation due to strong state identities and differing customs and religions.
The book introduces young readers to the "Framers"—the fifty-five men from almost all of the original thirteen states who gathered to draft the Constitution. It highlights the key players in this process, such as James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and George Washington, who endured countless revisions and fierce debates to create a document that laid out the supreme law of the land. The Constitution, signed on September 17, 1787, was a mere four-page document that served as a blueprint for the United States government.
Through this book, Demuth brings to life the story of how the United States Constitution came to be, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the hotly contested issues between the Northern and Southern states and between big and little states. She helps readers understand the complexities of creating a nation from a group of independent states, each with its own identity and interests.
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Frequently asked questions
The book talks about the United States Constitution and how it came into being. It covers the arguments between the Northern and Southern States, big states and little ones, and the key players such as James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and George Washington.
The book is written for middle-grade readers. It is a good resource for both children and adults to learn about the US Constitution.
The US Constitution is written at a 17.8 grade level.
