The Story of the Constitution

by Sol Bloom, Michael J. McHugh

This course is for students, young and old alike, who wish to understand the Constitution. It explores briefly the origins of our country, and the steps that led to the formation of the Constitution.

Genres: History, American History, Nonfiction

301 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1937

Reviews

[Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actually, read Sol Bloom's book of the same name published in 1937 for the Sesquicentennial of the Constitution. It was an interesting historical perspective on the Constitution, from 80 years ago. The copy I read was used as a public school textbook in Detroit and was handed down from my Mother-in-law.

[librarian4Him02 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why I picked it up: I'm trying to read through the books I inherited from my grandma many years ago. Given the events of the recent elections and inauguration this seemed like a timely read.

Why I kept reading: It was good recap of the American revolution. Also, I've never read through the Constitution before. Or if I have, it was probably way back in the eighth grade!

In the end: There was so much more in this book than just the Constitution and facts about it. I came away with a greater understanding of the reasons behind the American revolution. It also contained Washington's Farewell address to the nation. Many points Washington made are still very relevant to the state of our country today.

It was indeed a timely read and if I renumber, I think it will be a re-read every four years.

[Max · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book will teach you about the Constitution. The issue I had with it was most of the material only further complicates a document already written so that anyone can understand it. This being said, it does provide an interesting point of view on certain issues. altogether, I would have got more out of just reading the constitution itself.

[♡Emma Brown♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

History book that I had to read for school 🤭

[Rachael Stoldt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sparked so many good conversations about government and politics.

[J.D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical content by chapters:

Part I: Origin of the United States
I Discovery—Title to the soil
II Colonial government
III Causes of the revolution
IV The Continental Congress
V Articles of Confederation
VI Confederation fails—Critical period

Part II: Formation of the Constitution
VII Genesis of the Convention
VIII The deputies
IX Organization
X The Virginia Plan
XI The Paterson Plan
XII The compromise
XIII Law of the Land
XIV Method of ratification and amendment
XV Finishing the work
XVI Ratification

Part III: The Constitution in operation
XVII The people and the Constitution
XVIII A limited government
XIX Congress
XX The President
XXI The Judiciary
XXII Pertaining to the States
XXIII Method of amendment
XXIV Supremacy of the Constitution and Laws
XXV Amendments to the Constitution

Each of the chapters are quite short, in my own edition, all these sum up no more than 60 pages, so it is very concise but a good summary. After reading this, one could not claim expertise but understanding of the origin of the Constitution.

There are some historical sketches included, along with portraits of certain historical figures: Signers, Justices.

Some notes on each article and amendment are also provided previous the actual text of the Constitution. After this, a section of Analysis is included, in which words in alphabetical order are referred to the Constitution. The word Alliance, for example, is showed where in the Constitution appears, how to find it, etc.

Two more original texts are attached: the Declaration of Independence, and Washington's Farewell Address.

A new historical portion is at the end, called: National Development under the Constitution. It details certain aspects of the development of the United States from 1790 to 1937, covering the major aspects like the population boom and Civil War. A few maps are included.

Lastly, a Q&A on the Constitution is also provided, which is extremely useful, like the alphabetical analysis was. It covers everything from historical information to actual Constitutional interpretation. An example of a question and answer:

Q. What did Thomas Jefferson have to do with framing the Constitution?
A. Although absent from the Constitutional Convention and during the period of ratification, Jefferson rendered no inconsiderable service to the cause of Constitutional Government, for it was partly through his insistence that the Bill of Rights, consisting of the first ten amendments, was adopted.

In my edition this sections runs about 20 pages.

There is only one portion of the book which I thoroughly disliked, and that is an address by Sol Bloom, who was in charge of the book. This section is the only part of the whole book which is entirely interpretative and subjective, with speculative opinions thrown as facts and a complete reversal of the rest of the text. The date of the address is not provided, but I guess it must have been near the Communist scare, because the emphasis is on God and the idea that being American is being a believer.

Consider the two following quotes on Sol Bloom's address:

"We hear it said that the Constitution is faulty because it does not invoke the name of the Deity. I hold that it does more than lean upon Divine strength. It strives to do God's will on earth, as it is done in heaven."

"Can an atheist become President of the United States? I maintain that the spirit of the Constitution forbids it."

All of which is in complete contrast with the objectivity and rigorous academic endeavor of the rest of the book. Starkly against the reported quip by Alexander Hamilton as to why the did not name God in the Constitution: "We forgot." Moreover, Bloom claims that the oath or affirmation made when elected into an office of government is religious in nature, which to me makes no sense when Art. VI literally states: "all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States an of the several States, shall be bound by an Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States."

Anyhow, even with that last remark on Sol Bloom's own addition to the book, it is definitely worth reading. It is the almost-perfect guide to the average citizen and person interested in this particular story. I would recommend it to anyone not initiated or trying to remember the basics of the origin of the United States and its Constitution.

[GW · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a readable first edition and I find this book superior to any book on the constitution I've seen. What I have learned from this book is that the document is as durable and lasting a lesson in politics. It never goes out of the minds of citizens of the US. This book also has images and bios of the signers that are hard to find all in one book. It is a precious relic that has a place on my shelf till the end of my days. The constitution is a living document that has evolved little since it was written but, in the words are democracy for the ages.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an informational text that discuss how the Constitution got started, who was involved, and what problems or questions they might of had. It is a very interesting read.