Our leaders swear to uphold it, our military to defend it. It is the blueprint for the shape and function of government itself and what defines Ame...
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reviews
Apr 13, 2009
P.Sannie
rated it: 
This graphic novel adaptation of the U.S. Constitution is very simple and straightforward and it explains the Constitution in layman terms. Additionally, it explains a little bit of history behind the document, though not very in depth. However, I would consider that a strength because the book isn't supposed to be a history lesson; it's supposed to be a clarification of the Constitution. A lot of early American history is briefly mentioned (Shays' Rebellion, Articles of Confederation) and it
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Nov 21, 2010
The United States Constitution, A Graphic Adaptation, written by Johathan Hennessey, with art by Aaron McConnell, was a very interesting book. It was the story about the events that led up to the War of Independence, and the writing of the Constitution. I enjoyed reading the captions, and the art was very good, also. The Old English language was a little difficult to read and understand, in parts, but overall, a good read. I especially enjoyed how certain conflicts were depicted as human conflic
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Jun 27, 2011
Ubalstecha
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This graphic novel starts out slow, with the first part being a little too hagiographic and a little too, isn't the US great! But once the work settles into the meat of the constitution, the pace picks up and gets much better. This is not a clause by clause graphic explanation of the constitution, but rather a look at prominent sections, clauses and/or amendments and a smidgen of the history that lead up to them.
This would be a good book for those taking a U.S. civic course who are l More...
This would be a good book for those taking a U.S. civic course who are l More...
Feb 06, 2012
Becky
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A super enjoyable (re)introduction to the U.S. Constitution, full of fascinating historical tidbits and fun visual metaphors. Some stuff BLEW MY MIND (like the fact that, as a federal document, lots of the Constitution's protections didn't extend to state/local law until relatively recently).
Constitutional law is presumably one of those "this way madness lies" disciplines. The last two hundred years of contradictory Supreme Court decisions is enough to make a sane person weep More...
Constitutional law is presumably one of those "this way madness lies" disciplines. The last two hundred years of contradictory Supreme Court decisions is enough to make a sane person weep More...
Mar 27, 2011
Mike
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I guess I'm a sucker for dry-but-important subjects reinterpreted as graphic novels.
I decided this year I was going to (finally) try to become decently knowledgeable about the Constitution. I bought some fancy, Pulitzer prize-winning book of scholarship, and after a few pages it was clear I needed to start much simpler.
This book was perfect. It doesn't give the complete text of the Constitution--I would have liked to have that as an appendix, at least--but it presents all t More...
I decided this year I was going to (finally) try to become decently knowledgeable about the Constitution. I bought some fancy, Pulitzer prize-winning book of scholarship, and after a few pages it was clear I needed to start much simpler.
This book was perfect. It doesn't give the complete text of the Constitution--I would have liked to have that as an appendix, at least--but it presents all t More...
Sep 16, 2009
Iris
rated it:
No gimmicks here: the illustrations clarify what was going on in the colonies to motivate the authors of the Constitution to write each article and amendment. Hennessey's text also includes abundant examples from more recent history of what amendments have accomplished for individual cases. This is such a sharp and engaging resource for teenagers and adults who seek insight into politics, law, current events.
Convince your friends to read it, and you'll have a new party game: name an More...
Convince your friends to read it, and you'll have a new party game: name an More...
Oct 31, 2009
Firiel
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This is a good refresher that everyone could benefit from. The illustrations really help enforce the author's point and make some things easier to remember, such as the framers trying to balance the crazy machine of democracy on a highwire or a Congressional super-majority wearing tights and a cape. It does get a little dry in places, but there is only so much you can do to make any legal document fun, 200+ years old or brand new.
Apr 26, 2010
Warren
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charming cliff notes version, with some charming drawings and historical context.
I thought I'd whip through it in one sitting, but ended up spreading it out over several nights - likely due to the density of information. Kinda wish there were more connections to recent events, to exemplify the concepts. (likely would have let the reader "breath" a bit more, instead of getting slammed with important concepts in every frame).
(to be more specific, i remember there More...
I thought I'd whip through it in one sitting, but ended up spreading it out over several nights - likely due to the density of information. Kinda wish there were more connections to recent events, to exemplify the concepts. (likely would have let the reader "breath" a bit more, instead of getting slammed with important concepts in every frame).
(to be more specific, i remember there More...
Apr 29, 2009
Sarah
rated it:
This is a good refresher that everyone could benefit from. The illustrations really help enforce the author's point and make some things easier to remember, such as the framers trying to balance the crazy machine of democracy on a highwire or a Congressional super-majority wearing tights and a cape. It does get a little dry in places, but there is only so much you can do to make any legal document fun, 200+ years old or brand new.
Sep 25, 2011
Caroline
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I loved this! Can you name each of the articles of the constitution, and the amendments? (Lawyer types need not respond). I have always felt fairly ignorant on the subject and now am slightly less so! The art definitely adds. Word to the wise: the intro is slow, but the meat is exponentially better.
Jul 29, 2011
This book not only was informative as to the elements of the Constitution but it contextualized them within history and pointed out interesting facts and debates. It was really engaging and stimulated me to learn more about certain things. Great refresher to the Constitution and basic level of politics!
Jul 26, 2011
Terrific book for all ages but especially for my 13 year old daughter and 12 year old son. It is a concise explanation of the Constitution and the thought process and events that lead to its content. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to learn about the rules that are supposed to guide our government.
Jun 17, 2010
Rob
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I'm finding more and more of these non-fiction graphic novels that are blowing my mind. I think this is history that everyone can really get into. I didn't have as much fun with this one as I did the Complete Idiot's Guide to US HIstory Graphic Illustrated, but it was extremely well don nonetheless.
Apr 22, 2011
Jennifer
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Now, reading the Constitution may not be the most engrossing read. All right, I'll say it. It isn't a terribly engrossing read. It's a necessary read for Americans, though, either encountered in a Civics class or for one's own personal education. Thankfully, we have this neat book to give us a broader perspective on this important document, as well as historical insights into the making of the Constitution, the fight between the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists, and the addition (and in the
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Jan 24, 2009
Mike
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I heard about this book on the radio, and put it on my suggestions list for Christmas. It's a surprisingly good explanation, not only of the Constitution and Amendments 1 through 27, but of the decisions behind some of the wording and what brought the amendments about.
Apr 01, 2009
Alejandro
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My Civics teacher Mr Jenka gave this book to us i think its a good book on the constitution is more like a comic and more fun. This book is much better in teaching you the amendments instead of just grabbing a big old history book.
Feb 26, 2010
Mike
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The narrative and analysis of the creation of the Constitution presented here are not particularly sophisticated or novel, but the graphic presentation is fantastic. The author & illustrator use some very clever imagery and visual metaphors to capture the themes of the Philadelphia convention and the structure of the Constitution. A good primer or refresher on our second most important founding document. (What can I say? I'm a sucker for "We hold these truths to be self-evident..."
Nov 26, 2008
Chris
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A great concept with uninspired execution. It starts off with a lot of energy and good insight into the creation of the document, but once it gets into the nitty-gritty of articles and amendments, it can't transcend the drudgery of reading the real thing.
Aug 06, 2011
I loved this and I'm no fan of comic books. It lays it out in a way that's easy to understand. Certainly useful for kids who are just starting to learn about the Constitution.
Dec 21, 2011
Kenny
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The United States Constitution is a topic that many students will enjoy and many students will find boring. However, I believe that students who find the subject to be boring will change their minds after reading Jonathan Hennessey's book. Through beautiful artwork this picture book/graphic adaptation makes learning about the United States government fun and easy. A teacher could design an entire month's worth of lesson plans around this single book. The book could be taught to anyone grades
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Apr 23, 2009
Elias
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Mr. Janka gave us this book because he wants us to learn more about the U.S. Constitution and that is all I know!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mar 24, 2009
Ryan
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This book is the US constitution explained in comic book format. It is a quick read and a great way to learn about the constitution.
Oct 28, 2008
Rick
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Just in time for the U.S. elections, Hennessey and McConnell's eminently readable, graphical history hits the shelves. Rather than just reprinting the original text, the duo wisely relies on a m effective combination of words and pictures to place the Constitution within its fascinating historical context. Not only do they explain the document itself, they also reveal the story behind many of the amendments as well as the struggles between the federalist and anti-federalist camps. This rivet
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Mar 24, 2011
Shante
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I am working on my Master's in Public Administration. My current class is Law and how it affects Public Administration. This book is a great illustration of the Constitution. I wish I would have happened upon it sooner than two weeks before the class is over :-)
Nov 29, 2008
Betty
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This is a really cool book! Not only is it about the U.S Constitution, it is a comic book!
Sep 05, 2009
The Constitution, with pictures! Heard about this one from Bryan, my favorite not-yet lawyer.
Jul 06, 2010
Christian
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The information presented here is a great primer to the formation of the US governmental system as well as the events that necessitated the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. It's very useful to summarize American history and give people an understanding of why these things were set in place. I'm distracted by the artwork, which isn't quite at the level I generally enjoy, giving me the impression the artists were daunted by the tremendous bulk of work they anticipated ahead of the
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Sep 23, 2009
Bert
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When you're right, you're right...
"But we cannot defend and protect this dream if we are ignorant of the Constitution’s history and how it works. Ignorance is ultimately the worst enemy of a people who want to be free.”
- Senator Robert C Byrd
"But we cannot defend and protect this dream if we are ignorant of the Constitution’s history and how it works. Ignorance is ultimately the worst enemy of a people who want to be free.”
- Senator Robert C Byrd
Jan 19, 2009
Emily Ann
rated it:
A Christmas present, this was beautiful and surprisingly dense and informative. I opened it for the novelty and found myself thrilled with what I was learning and what I was being reminded of.
