The Declaration of Independence was the promise of a representative government; the Constitution was the fulfillment of that promise.
On Jul... read full description
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reviews
Jan 19, 2009
Kelly
rated it: 
During South by Southwest 2003, I saw a movie called The Revolution Will Not Be Televised. The movie is about President Chavez in Venezuela and the failed coup attempt on his presidency. In the background coverage of his presidency, the filmmakers recounted how as President, he encouraged his citizens to read their brand new constitution and learn it. They interviewed some Venezuelans who did not know to read, but had learned to read by reading their constitution.[return][return]I was touched by
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Oct 13, 2011
Nick
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Everyone including me has read this repeatedly for school. So I knew this would be bad, but I didn't know how bad until I went through it underlining everything negative and circling everything positive. Why the Cato institute publishes this, and why it is handed out at libertarian events completely escapes me.
I will omit things too minor to note. Asterisks rank importance.
Lets skip the declaration since its meh. Its way better than the constitution though. I'll just note More...
I will omit things too minor to note. Asterisks rank importance.
Lets skip the declaration since its meh. Its way better than the constitution though. I'll just note More...
Dec 18, 2011
Mario
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Essential reading for any sentient being capable of -actual- reading. The development of the American empire affects most of the world. Yet, it was almost a provision of American thinkers not to fight tyranny itself but rather fight a small portion of the tyrants before becoming as such.
It is almost an historical contradiction that some years later United States of America found itself fighting terror, instead of a single terrorist. If History is not read correctly (about who is who More...
It is almost an historical contradiction that some years later United States of America found itself fighting terror, instead of a single terrorist. If History is not read correctly (about who is who More...
Feb 19, 2009
David
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Only the foundation of our daily lives, the lives of our grandparents and our great grandchildren.
Its worth reading. Try to find the place where certain classes of people are not protected. Go on, it's fun. Check those Beautiful Amendments out. How bout that - who do they apply to? Citizens, legal immigrants, illegal immigrants?
The plot twist in the 2nd Amendment is riviting. I don't want to be a spoiler but the part about a Well regulated Militia being necessary More...
Its worth reading. Try to find the place where certain classes of people are not protected. Go on, it's fun. Check those Beautiful Amendments out. How bout that - who do they apply to? Citizens, legal immigrants, illegal immigrants?
The plot twist in the 2nd Amendment is riviting. I don't want to be a spoiler but the part about a Well regulated Militia being necessary More...
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Jul 26, 2011
David
rated it:
Essential reading for any American. So many who use the words "unconstitutional" to support their agendas have never actually read the document, but get their understanding from other people who have never read it. Read it yourself. That rating should be 4.5 stars if Goodreads would allow it, which would include a perfect 5-star rating for the Declaration of Independence and most of the Constitution, with a slight deduction for the ruinous experiment of outlawing liquor (thankfully
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Jan 30, 2009
3nine6
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It a very compact sizer and I keep this in my purse at all time, just in case someone wants to read me my rights..."no thanks, I've got my own copy" ;-P
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Jan 14, 2012
Earl
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I don't think anyone would pick up a book like this for fun. There would definitely need to be a reason to do so. Mine was because I was going to take citizenship classes. I like to read books that have some sort of relationship with what's going on in my life.
This isn't a review of the Declaration of Independence or the Constitution of the United States since what can you say about them? They are what they are.
What was great about this edition was the introduction by Pau More...
This isn't a review of the Declaration of Independence or the Constitution of the United States since what can you say about them? They are what they are.
What was great about this edition was the introduction by Pau More...
Feb 06, 2012
John
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Review on "The Declaration of Independence"
Dates Read: 8-Nov- 2010 and 28-Jan-2011
I read “The Declaration of Independence” in an attempt to better understand the principles on which the United States was founded. I feel a need to be educated about its history and founding fathers philosophies to counter attack many of the revisionists that promote ideological based and at times plain un-American interpretations of America’s history and founding documents. There is no be More...
Dates Read: 8-Nov- 2010 and 28-Jan-2011
I read “The Declaration of Independence” in an attempt to better understand the principles on which the United States was founded. I feel a need to be educated about its history and founding fathers philosophies to counter attack many of the revisionists that promote ideological based and at times plain un-American interpretations of America’s history and founding documents. There is no be More...
May 07, 2011
Dustin
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I should confess that I am putting this copy up only to mean that I have read the Declaration and the Constitution themselves, and have copies on my bookshelf. I have not actually read this book with this particular foreword.
Sorry that that isn't really a review. These foundational documents are immortal, and important beyond description. Every American should read these documents, simply so that they may know what it does and does not say.
Sorry that that isn't really a review. These foundational documents are immortal, and important beyond description. Every American should read these documents, simply so that they may know what it does and does not say.
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Sep 15, 2009
Charles
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Just in case anyone was wondering why I'm not progressing on those current reads it's because I'm too busy reading a lot of other short things... The rating on this work is rather arbitrary... I haven't read the commentary included in the volume so I can't really rate the book itself.... It is rather handy to be able to have the two together though.
Aug 07, 2011
Amy
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I have had a copy since my trip to the US Supreme Court Building in 1995. This was the first time I read both of these documents in one sitting, even reading aloud parts to my family. I plan to now read this each Independence Day to remind myself that while I can be very frustrated with politicians, our government structure is awe-inspiring.
Feb 27, 2010
Thanks for those libertarians at the Cato Institute, I have a micro-sized copy of these two crucial documents. Of course, having the words at one's disposal doesn't making it much easier to interpret the ambiguities, and this book is far too small to beat sense into the heads of people that refuse to acknowledge ambiguities.
Jan 14, 2012
Leonardo
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I downloaded the free version for my kindle, and I was impressed with how radical it really was. The notions that people can overthrow a government that no longer serves them and that they have inalienable rights are very progressive. It is essential reading for anyone, and not just Americans.
Dec 07, 2011
Dan
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I've read both of these in the past, but I don't think I've added them to my Goodreads. Since the Constitution was included in the appendix of Daniel Okrent's excellent history of Prohibition, which I just finished reading, I figured now would be a good time to add these foundational documents.
Nov 06, 2011
stars
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Well...I can't say I don't like this, because it's what my country's laws and government are based on. However, I do believe some things in the constitution are outdated and should be amended. But, for my own sake, I won't say what, so as not to spark a political debate. That is all I have to say.
Jun 10, 2011
Douglas
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Maier gives a good introduction to the development of these documents. It not only sets them in their historical context it also discusses their relationship to each other. Politicians are always asking each other if they have read the constitution. This book is a good way to do just that.
Jul 02, 2011
Kate
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The Declaration of Independence - Kinda Rebellious!!!
The Constitution - a gajillion times better than The Articles of the Confederation.
PS - I own this book, but I'm not sure if I read it. My review is on the actual Declaration & Constitution - like you couldn't figure that out.
The Constitution - a gajillion times better than The Articles of the Confederation.
PS - I own this book, but I'm not sure if I read it. My review is on the actual Declaration & Constitution - like you couldn't figure that out.
Nov 24, 2009
H.
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Feels like this book should be in every Western reader's book list. Its simplicity and elegance are unrivaled, and it even demands re-reading and consequent mining of its parts and pieces. Very important, particularly in these days of outrageous federal powers.
May 19, 2010
I'm not sure this is the exact version I read, but this is the best I could find. But this was very eye opening. What a beautiful piece of work that I believe with all my heart was directed by God. Learn it! Read it! Love it!
Jan 17, 2012
Maria
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A pocket-sized version packed with all the goodies: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Amendments, dates to remember, an index, and an introduction to these documents with a life of their own by Pauline Maier.
Dec 02, 2009
Kat
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Ok, holy shit, one day I subbed for Crystal and I had to try to teach this to the kids...that is a challenge I didn't even know how to approach. Props to history teachers that can actually translate this important document and have their students actually care and understand how this impacts their lives.
Aug 01, 2011
Steve
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For such important documents that cover such a wide range of issues, the authors managed to use language with such efficiency that does not drift into the sort of legalese that hides the true meaning. (Now I really must read The Magna Carta and The Doomsday Book!)
Apr 11, 2008
Brandon
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I just found this little pocket book at a used book store and had to pick it up. I just love this document and get chills every time I read it. It's so ballsy and brash. When you stop and think about what it is saying, how it's said, and to whom it's being said you can't help but feel proud and patriotic, no matter what you think of todays political/social/cultural environment. I don't claim to understand every historical reference but the implication of every word make me sit back and reflect o
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Jul 28, 2011
Brendan
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Everyone should read this every so many years. One sounds like an idiot if they attempt to quote it in a political discussion, if they have not...
Oct 31, 2009
Mike (the Paladin)
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What do I need to say? Read them, understant them, and give thanks.
Also let me recommend, treasure, protect, and pray we keep them, unbroken.
Also let me recommend, treasure, protect, and pray we keep them, unbroken.
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May 18, 2010
Megan
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I would have given it five stars had they stopped after the Declaration of Independence and hadn't bothered with the Constitution.
Apr 12, 2010
Aaron
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The Constitution is definitely meant to be read in light of the Declaration of Independence. It is not just starting a new country, but doing so in response to prior bad governance. Interesting stuff.
Aug 28, 2010
Sharon
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The constitution is a brilliant, inspiring document. It has many imitators. Yet so few in this country have actually read it.
Feb 04, 2010
Drjackman
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Everyone should read this and understand exactly what it says (which is the hard part). That makes voting so much easier.
Oct 28, 2010
Scott
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This Constitution course is helping me see a lot of things in a new way. I am enjoying reading all these texts again.
