Description
Book Synopsis: In America’s Constitution, one of this era’s most accomplished constitutional law scholars, Akhil Reed Amar, gives the first comprehensive account of one of the world’s great political texts. Incisive, entertaining, and occasionally controversial, this “biography” of America’s framing document explains not only what the Constitution says but also why the Constitution says it. We all know this much: the Constitution is neither immutable nor perfect. Amar shows us how the story of this one relatively compact document reflects the story of America more generally. (For example, much of the Constitution, including the glorious-sounding “We the People,” was lifted from existing American legal texts, including early state constitutions.) In short, the Constitution was as much a product of its environment as it was a product of its individual creators’ inspired genius.
Despite the Constitution’s flaws, its role in guiding our republic has been nothing short of amazing. Skillfully placing the document in the context of late-eighteenth-century American politics, America’s Constitution explains, for instance, whether there is anything in the Constitution that is unamendable; the reason America adopted an electoral college; why a president must be at least thirty-five years old; and why–for now, at least–only those citizens who were born under the American flag can become president.
From his unique perspective, Amar also gives us unconventional wisdom about the Constitution and its significance throughout the nation’s history. For one thing, we see that the Constitution has been far more democratic than is conventionally understood. Even though the document was drafted by white landholders, a remarkably large number of citizens (by the standards of 1787) were allowed to vote up or down on it, and the document’s later amendments eventually extended the vote to virtually all Americans. We also learn that the Founders’ Constitution was far more slavocratic than many would acknowledge: the “three fifths” clause gave the South extra political clout for every slave it owned or acquired. As a result, slaveholding Virginians held the presidency all but four of the Republic’s first thirty-six years, and proslavery forces eventually came to dominate much of the federal government prior to Lincoln’s election.
Ambitious, even-handed, eminently accessible, and often surprising, America’s Constitution is an indispensable work, bound to become a standard reference for any student of history and all citizens of the United States.
Details
Are you curious about the inner workings of America's Constitution? Look no further! Introducing America's Constitution: A Biography, a captivating book by renowned constitutional law scholar, Akhil Reed Amar. This comprehensive account delves into the depths of one of the world's most influential political texts, shedding light on not only what the Constitution says, but also why it says it. With its incisive, entertaining, and occasionally controversial narrative, this biography unveils the remarkable story behind America's framing document.
Discover the fascinating origins of the Constitution as Amar explores how this relatively compact document is intricately woven into the fabric of American history. Unveil the links between its language and the earlier American legal texts, gaining a profound understanding of how the Constitution was shaped by its environment and the inspired genius of its creators. Despite its imperfections, the Constitution has played an incredible role in guiding our republic. Let Amar skillfully immerse you in the late-eighteenth-century American politics that gave rise to debates over topics such as unamendable clauses, the electoral college, and presidential age requirements.
Uncover hidden insights with Amar's unconventional wisdom about the Constitution. Prepare to be astonished as you realize the Constitution's true democratic nature, often overlooked by conventional understanding. Amar unveils how a surprisingly large number of citizens were given the power to vote on this crucial document, with later amendments ensuring virtually all Americans gained the right to vote. Moreover, delve into the lesser-known slavocratic elements embedded within the Founders' Constitution. Explore the consequences of the "three fifths" clause, which granted the South increased political influence through slave ownership. Learn how these forces shaped the nation's early presidencies and dominated the federal government.
With ambition, even-handedness, and eloquence, Amar presents America's Constitution as an indispensable work. It is destined to become a standard reference for history students and an enlightening read for all citizens of the United States. Expand your knowledge, gain a deeper understanding of the Constitution's significance, and embrace the opportunity to explore the captivating journey behind America's political backbone. Get your copy of America's Constitution: A Biography today and embark on an enlightening adventure through the annals of American history.
Click here to grab your copy of America's Constitution: A Biography and discover the captivating tale behind America's founding document!
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