How to Read the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence *(eBook)
Have you ever wanted to read the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, and really understand what they’re saying?Millions of others have too. But getting a real understanding of the legal language of 200 years ago can be challenging — and as a result, few Americans know these important documents as well as they should. Recognizing this, Paul Skousen has written exactly the book you’ve been looking for.It’s an easy, step-by-step guide that makes these documents come alive. With his help you will be able to read them with purpose, with understanding, and with clarity.Skousen provides several valuable memory aids for you to master the Constitution’s seven Articles and the 27 important rights named in the Bill of Rights. You will be able to navigate through the Declaration’s five power statements on freedom, and unlock their 18th century phrases with a convenient glossary. You will find the answers to ten popular myths about the Constitution, and discover how its guiding principles protect human rights. Thousands of books describe the origins of these famous documents, but only one book gives you a place to start reading them made easier in How to Read the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. Read more
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Why Must Read How to Read the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence?
[edited from the original for clarity] I would be careful using this book as a single source to read the documents. I suggest that it has a bias in that it mentions a “3rd Version of the Constitution” which is not a new document but the author’s statement about the current controversy concerning how the Constitution has been applied in certain decisions over the last 100 years and is therefore “not working”. It also adds a quiz to the 10th amendment asking the reader how they think the amendment should be applied. This appears to be the only amendment that has this type of opinion quiz. The reminder of the book treats the Bill of Rights and the Constitution in a relatively straightforward manner. I can only wonder why the author decided to include this particular controversial issue in a introductory book specifically designed for “new immigrants, students just learning and people who don’t have time to learn much beyond reading the documents”. An audience who, due to their recent introduction to the documents, is likely not yet prepared to deal with this controversy. If it was important to add this "advanced study" topic to a book designed to be an introduction to the documents then the best treatment of the controversy would be to at least introduce both sides of the issue. Since only one side of the issue was presented it does seem to show a specific bias in the controversy of how to read the Constitution in this specific situation. It does not even mention there is controversy concerning this issue. This book also does not provide any citations to guide the reader for further study which I think is a shortcoming. I suggest this book should be used as only one text on how to read [and understand] the US Constitution. It has some good, easy to read content for the intended audience. I think it shows a specific bias in the area mentioned above and may add a level of confusion to readers new to the Constitution. Which is why only 2 stars.
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