The Naked Constitution: What the Founders Said and Why It Still Matters

by Adam Freedman

“In this very entertaining and informative book, Freedman skewers those who have judicially rewritten the Constitution at the expense of our individual liberties. Well-researched and full of historical insight.”
—David Limbaugh, author of The Great Destroyer: Barack Obama’s War on the Republic

Conservative legal scholar Adam Freedman has written a spirited manifesto on the need to recover the original meaning of America’s Constitution—an intelligent, incisive examination of what our nation’s founding fathers actually wrote in this all-important document and why it still matters today. Freedman’s The Naked Constitution offers a lively defense of “original intent” in the vein of the Glen Beck bestseller The Original Argument, while decrying the current distortions and misrepresentations that will come into play as high profile lawsuits concerning such issues as healthcare, immigration, and gay marriage begin reaching the Supreme Court.

Genres: Politics, History, Nonfiction

373 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 9, 2012

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Regardless of whether or not you agree with the ideology, this book presents a very accessible view into originalism/textualism. The author's own views obviously come through throughout the text, but even if you're an ardent "Living Constitutionalism" proponent, his explorations of the Constitution and its Amendments provide food for thought and an interesting take on how an originalist perspective can reach many of the same results as a more progressive view point. I found his snark/humor entertaining and it almost made light of the bi-partisan tribalism that makes it so easy to look at this book and think "originalsim/textualism = conservativism = bad".

Balkins, "The Living Constitution" is a good counter-argument to this book and the author mentions it a few times throughout the piece. Regardless of what camp you're in, its an entertaining and accessible perspective on Constitutional interpretation.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really good. It's a great look at the Constitution, its intended meaning, and how it's been abused and distorted through the years, especially with the blurring of checks and balances and separation of powers. It's easy to read, not all stuffy and academic. I strongly encourage every citizen to read it. If you respect the Constitution, it might make your head explode reading about how it's been ignored and reinterpreted by power-hungry politicians. If you think the Constitution is outdated or that government needs to micromanage people's lives, you will likely be offended by it.

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book on the founding principles this country was built upon and how these principles are being ignored in the courts as judges interpret their 'living' constitution. This book effectively outlines a very potent argument against the notion that the constitution is a 'living' document, and vividly shows the side effects of such a ridiculous approach to constitutional interpretation.

[Arianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book talked about how the Constitution no longer represents the Founders original intention. The author's views most closely resemble a Tea, Party-est, which I don't tend to agree with. With that being said, he made a few interesting arguments, and it's always good to get a more well-rounded opinion on issues.

[John · Rating 1 out of 5]

Full of snark and sarcasm, and not in a good way. If you came to this book looking for a reasoned discourse on why originalism matters, you won't find it here. The author panders to an audience that already holds that view. Some interesting information is presented, but the too-precious, snarky asides get in the way. Didn't bother to finish it.

[Elizabeth · Rating 1 out of 5]

Citing more people out of context does not make your point more valid. The premise and supporting arguments of this book are almost laughable; I couldn't bring myself to finish the condescending, short-sighted avowals of his viewpoints.

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really clear book that does a good job of discussing the constitution. Was easy to follow and understand the impacts that various decisions throughout history have had on how we see and use our founding document today.

[Manny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to follow

[Christine D · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had a great lot if information and had some interesting points but I wish it was more reader friendly. It read like a degree in law dissertation.

[Erik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating look at how the original meaning of the Constitution has been derailed. However there are a couple of logical flaws in some of the arguments