The Constitution

An Introduction

By: Michael Stokes Paulsen, Luke Paulsen

Narrated by: Walter Dixon

From war powers to health care, freedom of speech to gun ownership, religious liberty to abortion, practically every aspect of American life is shaped by the Constitution. This vital document, along with its history of political and judicial interpretation, governs our individual lives and the life of our nation. Yet most of us know surprisingly little about the Constitution itself, and are woefully unprepared to think for ourselves about recent developments in its long and storied history.

The Constitution: An Introduction is the definitive modern primer on the US Constitution. Michael Stokes Paulsen, one of the nation's most provocative and accomplished scholars of the Constitution, and his son Luke Paulsen, a gifted young writer and lay scholar, have combined to write a lively introduction to the supreme law of the United States, covering the Constitution's history and meaning in clear, accessible terms.

Beginning with the Constitution's birth in 1787, Paulsen and Paulsen offer a grand tour of its provisions, principles, and interpretation, introducing listeners to the characters and controversies that have shaped the Constitution in the 200-plus years since its creation. Along the way, the authors provide correctives to the shallow myths and partial truths that pervade so much popular treatment of the Constitution, from school textbooks to media accounts of today's controversies, and offer powerful insights into the Constitution's true meaning.

A lucid and engaging guide, The Constitution: An Introduction provides listeners with the tools to think critically and independently about constitutional issues - a skill that is ever more essential to the continued flourishing of American democracy.

©2015 Michael Stokes Paulsen and Luke Paulsen (P)2015 Gildan Media LLC

An awesome review of The Constitution

I felt this was a very educational experience to learn so many of the cases that have influenced the interpretation of the Constitution. I was saddened to hear how often the Supreme Court rule against the rights of individuals due to the Prejudices​ of society.

I was also very happy to hear when they would rule favorably towards the correct rights of u.s. citizens and correct some of the past mistakes.

Excellent!!!

Have been listening during the final days of 2016 election. WOW! Will order book to mark/highlight while listening again. Should be mandatory book for high school government classes.

Excellent introduction

Remarkably clear and engaging, this is one of the best, if not the best, introduction to the Constitutional. The narration is good too.

Excellent

Excellent book. So much information I wish it were longer. Perfect for someone starting out learning about the constitution.

For any US citizen a MUST read, recomnded for als

This book should really be required reading for all school age students within the US. Without having a grounded and deep understanding of our US Constitution it leaves too much to be misunderstood and blurry in terms of where we came from and where we are going. This book explains so much and give true enlightenment to our special history

Michael and Luke have created an Excellent book on the Constitution which starts from the beginning and explains every foot step in the creating and evolution of the US Constitution and all of it's most important influence, decisions, and outcomes. Without the knowledge shared in this book it's hard to even know what it means to be a US citizen.

I can't recommend this book highly enough and wish that everyone in the US and outside the US would read and enjoy the unique story of not only the US Constitution but a unique origin story for the US and why it is so special in terms of creation and potential.