The U.S. Constitution

A Very Short Introduction

By: David J. Bodenhamer

Narrated by: Walter Dixon

Though the Constitution was ratified in 1788, its impact on our lives is as recent as today's news. Claims and counterclaims about the constitutionality of governmental actions are a habit of American politics. This document, which its framers designed to limit power, often has made political conflict inevitable. It also has accommodated and legitimized the political and social changes of a vibrant, powerful democratic nation. A product of history's first modern revolution, the Constitution embraced a new formula for government: It restrained power on behalf of liberty, but it also granted power to promote and protect liberty.

This book explores the major themes that have shaped American constitutional history: federalism, the balance of powers, property, representation, equality, rights, and security. Informed by the latest scholarship, this book places constitutional history within the context of American political and social history. As our nation's circumstances have changed, so has our Constitution.

©2018 Oxford University Press (P)2018 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Thought provoking

Outstanding narrative about our constitutions. Suggested reading for not only our senators but it should be mandatory reading for hjghschool Civics.

Informative!

Narrator is good.
Variation in voice tone helps staying focused on the topic.
Thank you!

Great information

Great book for a quick lesson on how the constitution was formed, how its been applied and where its going.

hogwash

Bodenhamer is a living breathing interpretationalist of the Constitution. His views are what degrade the foundation of the Republic.