American Constitutional History: A Brief Introduction

by Jack Fruchtman

American Constitutional History presents a concise introduction to the constitutional developments that have taken place over the past 225 years, treating trends from history, law, and political science. Presents readers with a brief and accessible introduction to more than two centuries of U.S. constitutional history Explores constitutional history chronologically, breaking U.S. history into five distinct periods Reveals the full sweep of constitutional changes through a focus on issues relating to economic developments, civil rights and civil liberties, and executive power Reflects the evolution of constitutional changes all the way up to the conclusion of the June 2015 Supreme Court term

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 25, 2016

Reviews

[H (trying to keep up with GR friends) Balikov · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are many reasons to keep abreast of U.S. Constitutional developments if you are an American citizen. Changes in the laws; decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court; and proposed legislation all must conform to the requirements of the Constitution. Changes to these requirements, as interpreted by the Supreme Court, can have vast consequences to commerce, voters’ rights, immigration, marriage, etc.

Constitutional History is mostly the history of decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court. So what does Fruchtman bring to the table that makes this book worth reading?

1. This is a recent book so it is as up-to-date on Court decisions as you can get.
2. He has provided a thematic organization by historical period that is useful and thought-provoking
3. He provides breakout boxes on various key issues: an example are the “three judicial tests for affirmative action”

This is not an easy subject. Anyone who tries to make it easy runs the risk of oversimplification. Fruchtman does not make that mistake and his book is very useful. However, even this book does not provide anything on the topic of the Constitution’s “emoluments clause.” With luck that may appear in the second edition.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty good overview of the ways that judges, presidents, and Congress have interpreted the Constitution in the nation's history. Fruchtman does well in tracing the major themes and debates in constitutional interpretation.

[Katanders · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good short summary.

I really wanted to see more cases in this book, but it’s a good quick summary. Given the price, more depth would have been appreciated.

[Richard]

As the title says, this is an overview and it is impossible for me to remember all the names of the cases that changed the interpretation of the constitution but the political aspects are what stood out the most.