The Meaning of the Constitution

by Angela Roddey Holder Ll.M., John Thomas Roddey Holder, Henry Steele Commager (Foreword)

Updated to include reference to recent Supreme Court cases, this volume explains all seven Articles of the Constitution, its Preamble, and its Amendments. The Constitution is set down in its entirety and explained in detail. Significant Supreme Court decisions are cited to demonstrate how the Constitution has continued to affect the lives and protect the liberties of Americans in the more than two centuries since its ratification. Also presented is discussion of how changes have occurred in Constitutional interpretation under the leadership of the Supreme Court's succeeding chief justices. The book is illustrated, and features a foreword by the Constitutional historian, Henry Steele Commager. Here is an excellent classroom supplement for high school-level social studies courses and introductory college courses.

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1981

Reviews

[Gabriel]

This is a very quick reference guide for understanding the body of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the additional amendments, both active and repealed. It is not a deep or authoritative text but it gives great examples of how the Constitution and amendments have been tested in court cases and subsequently interpreted.

It is very clear that the author editorializes as little as possible and takes an even-handed approach to outlining the meaning and impact of the articles and amendments. I highly recommend it as a starting point for referencing and researching the US Constitution.

[Dave Peticolas]

I very much enjoyed this short but illuminating commentary on the complete text of the US Constitution. It starts with a brief historical narrative and then proceeds article by article, and then amendment by amendment, explaining the major case history surrounding each.

One thing I never noticed before: the US Constitution contains the word "speedy". How cool is that?