The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States of America Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States of America
Book Review: Pocket-sized, so keep it close.
Summary: 5 Stars
It feels silly for me to rate the content of the founding fathers' works, so I'll just say that this edition is an inexpensive, pocket-sized reference that every American (or interested person) should keep and carry with them for life.Book Review: Political/historical literature
Summary: 5 Stars
The book arrived in good condition and in the time frame stated by the dealer.Book Review: Read it often
Summary: 5 Stars
About a year ago, I saw a movie called The Revolution Will Not Be Televised. The movie is about President Chavez in Venezuela and the failed coup attempt on his presidency. In the background coverage of his presidency, the filmmakers recounted how as President, he encouraged his citizens to read their brand new constitution and learn it. They interviewed some Venezuelans who did not know to read, but had learned to read by reading their constitution.
I was touched by this, but then I thought "how many Americans can say they've read the Constitution?" My guess is probably not many. And those that have only did it for school and have since forgotten much of what they learned. Personally, I remember having to memorize the Bill of Rights for a class, but that's about it.
So I bought a copy of the Constitution for myself and began reading it.
In a time when Congress is passing legislation that infringes upon the rights guaranteed us by our Constitution, it's important now more than ever that we read and understand it.
Book Review: Slightly larger font would help with ESL citizenship students
Summary: 4 Stars
These are important basic documents for refugees studying to become citizens. However, it would help if the booklet were a bit larger, with a larger font and more white space.Book Review: Take a Few Hours and Read This
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the American vision of what government should be. Many people think that America is a democracy but it is actually a constitutional democracy. The Constitution of the United States sets limits to the powers of government in Article 1, Section 8 (pgs 23-5). Outside of these enumerated powers the government has no authority to do anything else.It really is a beautiful system of government. All law-making powers are vested in the Senate and House of Representatives. However, a president can check their power by vetoing any laws they pass, which they can then override by a 2/3 majority in both houses. The president's function is to "preserve, protect and defend the Constitution" and to the the Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States. The Supreme Court and other courts oversee the laws passed by the legislature and, I suppose, the actions of the president to make sure that they fall within the bounds set by the Constitution. Congress has the ability to add to the Constitution by passing amendments. And the Bill of Rights lays out a few rights of the people and states that are absolutely not to be infringed upon, though the enumerated powers already limits the power granted to the federal government.
Roger Pilon's brief Preface is about as much bang for the word as one could ask for. Check it out!