The Citizen's Constitution: An Annotated Guide

by Seth Lipsky

Pocket versions of the Constitution of the United States of America abound, as do multi-volume commentaries, scholarly histories of its writing, and political posturings of various clauses. But what if you want a delightfully quick, witty, and readable reference that, in one compact volume, places the document and its clauses into context? You're out of luck -- until now. Written by Seth Lipsky, described in the Boston Globe as "a legendary figure in contemporary journalism,&" The Citizen's Constitution draws on the writings of the Founders, case law from our greatest judges, and current events in more than 300 illuminating annotations. Lipsky provides a no-nonsense, entertaining, and learned guide to the fundamental questions surrounding the document that governs how we govern our country. Every American should know the Constitution. Rarely has it glinted so brightly.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Politics, Law, Reference, Cultural, Political Science

367 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Mark Desrosiers · Rating 5 out of 5]

People please note: this is my first five-star review of a book written by an arch-conservative. Also, note my use of "people" rather than "citizens" -- there does seem to be a left-right distinction between the two words, and the title of this book telegraphs some sorta creepy right-wing manual. "The People's Constitution" would be so redolent of Howard Zinn, Beijing, mountains of uncashed Guantanamo Bay rent checks...

BUT once you get past Lipsky's ideological bent you'll dig his insights into the composition, paradox, and freight of this little document. I was especially taken by his underscoring of the fact that the Eighteenth was (so far) the only Constitutional amendment to restrict -- rather than promote -- liberty. Take that, "defense of marriage" crazies!

Even better, Lipsky retains a sane attitude toward "strict constructionist" philosophies -- though he quotes Clarence Thomas and Scalia more often than necessary (and proper). You get the impression he's more of a fond, aging libertarian than a blinkered Fox News ideologue. And his expansive knowledge and fascinating trivia make this a fun read overall -- highly recommended to lefties and reactionaries both.

[Deborah Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

The U.S. Constitution is invoked a lot these days, but do those who claim to cherish it really know what it says? Seth Lipsky’s The Citizen's Constitution is an eye-opener, written for the ordinary American (as opposed to attorneys) who wants to gain a better understanding of what may be the most important document ever created. My full review of this book is available on Curled Up

[Bernie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a great primer on the Constitution. It included well-researched notes on the history behind articles and amendments to the Constitution as well as important applications of its principles. The book did a good job of balance between those who would give a strict interpretation to the Constitution, and those who would give it great "stretchability". So in that respect it might be a good reference book for those interested in a general explanation of the Constitution.

Unfortunately, this evenhandedness made it a less interesting book. A more interesting book would have been one that took a point of view for strict constructionism, or the "living" Constitution, and then worked to make the case.

I hope to move on to a few of these.

[Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having a copy of the Constitution isn't much good if you don't understand it. The Annotated guide is an excellent book that anyone who follows politics or national events should read and have. It not only tells you what the Constitution and Amendments say, but also what the founding fathers had in mind based on historical records of their discussions, and their writings on the particular subjects. It also explains Supreme Court rulings on the Articles and Amendments.

[Joe Chernicoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lipsky's annotated guide to the Constitution is a text which should be included in, at least, high school civics courses/political science courses. As a reference book, it has good value when references re: the Constitution are important, as it provides good, basic background on this document.

[Betsy]

Well researched, but some of the quotes from the Supreme Court decisions were long and should have had more introduction and explanations. A good read, but need to know a little about history and the Supreme Curt, especially the Justices and when they served, to get the full effect.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic idea - an annotated, layman's guide to the Constitution. Practically essential reading for anyone with an interest in American history or American politics.

[Kyle Mcguire]

amazing, easy to understand review of the Constitution......case law explained in layman's terms

[Bjorn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I learned a lot, but the writing didn't instill the kind of interest I expected.

[K2kast · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good stuff!

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Very interesting and informative.

[Geoff Conner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of interesting historical tidbits. One of those books you pick up every once in a while and open to a section.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

For Constitution nerds, this book is fantastic.

[Gwen Hurd]

I got like halfway through... I like fiction.

[Barbara]

Worth reading.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and informative in just the right dosage, and better than school any day.

[Mehul · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think it was a good read...though I don't remember. It has been a while.