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Penguin Little Black Classics #127
The Constitution of the United States
The landmark legal document of the United States, the U.S. Constitution comprises the primary law of the Federal Government. Signed by the members of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787, the Constitution outlines the powers and responsibilities of the three chief branches of the Federal Government, as well as the basic rights of the citizens of the United States. This beautiful gift edition contains the complete text of the United States Constitution, as well as all of its amendments. It is a treasure for Americans of all ages.
55 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1787
About the author
Founding Fathers
103 books524 followersThe term Founding Fathers of the United States of America refers broadly to the individuals of the Thirteen British Colonies in North America who led the American Revolution against the authority of the British Crown and established the United States of America. It is also used more narrowly, referring specifically to those who either signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776 or who were delegates to the 1787 Constitutional Convention and took part in drafting the proposed Constitution of the United States. A further subset includes those who signed the Articles of Confederation. During much of the 19th century, they were referred to as either the "Founders" or the "Fathers".
Some historians define the "Founding Fathers" to mean a larger group, including not only the Signers and the Framers but also all those who, whether as politicians, jurists, statesmen, soldiers, diplomats, or ordinary citizens, took part in winning American independence and creating the United States of America. Historian Richard B. Morris in 1973 identified the following seven figures as the key Founding Fathers: John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and George Washington . Adams, Jefferson, and Franklin worked on the committee to draft the Declaration of Independence. Hamilton, Madison, and Jay were authors of the The Federalist Papers, advocating ratification of the Constitution. Washington commanded the revolutionary army. All served in important positions in the early government of the United States.
DOB based on First Continental Congress
DOD based on death of James Madison, last surviving member
Some historians define the "Founding Fathers" to mean a larger group, including not only the Signers and the Framers but also all those who, whether as politicians, jurists, statesmen, soldiers, diplomats, or ordinary citizens, took part in winning American independence and creating the United States of America. Historian Richard B. Morris in 1973 identified the following seven figures as the key Founding Fathers: John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and George Washington . Adams, Jefferson, and Franklin worked on the committee to draft the Declaration of Independence. Hamilton, Madison, and Jay were authors of the The Federalist Papers, advocating ratification of the Constitution. Washington commanded the revolutionary army. All served in important positions in the early government of the United States.
DOB based on First Continental Congress
DOD based on death of James Madison, last surviving member
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 702 reviews
Want to read
August 3, 2016
Has Goodreads got a new recommendations algorithm?! This seemed waaaaay smarter than usual...
February 7, 2017
Every American should read this. Particularly now.
February 28, 2021
Hold on, who the fuck is saying a black person is 3/5 of a white one? Who thought that was okay?
September 17, 2020
The fundamental governing document of the United States
This review is of the free Kindle edition as described below:
Publication Date: March 24, 2011
File Size: 93 KB
Word Wise: Enabled
Print Length: 50 pages
Enhanced Typesetting: Enabled
Lending: Enabled
Text-to-Speech: Not enabled
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
X-Ray: Enabled
ScreenReader: Supported
Language:: English
ASIN: B004TPCQWC
This free edition does not contain the Bill of Rights or any of the other amendments. Otherwise, it is an easy to read copy of the fundamental governing document and law of the United States, the bedrock, the foundation upon which the nation stands. Shake that foundation and the whole structure trembles. Shatter it and the nation falls to be replaced by something else, something lesser.
The Constitution was written for the people not lawyers. However, understanding is aided by some basic knowledge of history. Not just American history but that of Western Civilization in general.
I don't think that most people understand that the Constitution is a basic issue in the upcoming elections: Does the Constitution mean what it says or does the meaning fluctuate with the changing social and political views of a simple majority?
This review is of the free Kindle edition as described below:
Publication Date: March 24, 2011
File Size: 93 KB
Word Wise: Enabled
Print Length: 50 pages
Enhanced Typesetting: Enabled
Lending: Enabled
Text-to-Speech: Not enabled
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
X-Ray: Enabled
ScreenReader: Supported
Language:: English
ASIN: B004TPCQWC
This free edition does not contain the Bill of Rights or any of the other amendments. Otherwise, it is an easy to read copy of the fundamental governing document and law of the United States, the bedrock, the foundation upon which the nation stands. Shake that foundation and the whole structure trembles. Shatter it and the nation falls to be replaced by something else, something lesser.
The Constitution was written for the people not lawyers. However, understanding is aided by some basic knowledge of history. Not just American history but that of Western Civilization in general.
I don't think that most people understand that the Constitution is a basic issue in the upcoming elections: Does the Constitution mean what it says or does the meaning fluctuate with the changing social and political views of a simple majority?
September 29, 2016
Will an American lose his citizenship if he one-stars this book?
October 12, 2016
WOW! What a piece of work. Twists, turns, cliffhangers! This will really leave the Nation on the edge of its seat.
May 25, 2010
a lot of good ideas. except, you know, the 3/5ths part.
May 15, 2014
It might seem odd that an Australian would list this—and if you look at the shelves I have it on, Americans may perceive one apparent inconsistency. Folks, if you see 'odd' or 'inconsistent', you don't know the full story.
Because Britain had (and has) no written constitution, the Australian constitutional conventions needed to look closely at other examples, and high on their list was the US Constitution.
To be blunt, Australia's founding fathers (no women were allowed in) followed the US Constitution down an alley, mugged it, took its pocket contents, its hat and its shoes, turned them inside out, and claimed them as their own.
In some cases, they went the other way, as in the assignment of residual powers, but they drew on the experiences of the US in making their decisions.
The Australians were also canny about specifying the taking of censuses, knowing that the US census system was faltering under the huge population growth of the 1890s, not knowing that Herman Hollerith had invented the device that used to be a Hollerith card, but is now referred to as the IBM card, and that made for faster processing.
So just as our nation's founding fathers gleaned ideas, we can garner interest from it — if we know how to read it.
Not bad thinking and writing in it, either.
Because Britain had (and has) no written constitution, the Australian constitutional conventions needed to look closely at other examples, and high on their list was the US Constitution.
To be blunt, Australia's founding fathers (no women were allowed in) followed the US Constitution down an alley, mugged it, took its pocket contents, its hat and its shoes, turned them inside out, and claimed them as their own.
In some cases, they went the other way, as in the assignment of residual powers, but they drew on the experiences of the US in making their decisions.
The Australians were also canny about specifying the taking of censuses, knowing that the US census system was faltering under the huge population growth of the 1890s, not knowing that Herman Hollerith had invented the device that used to be a Hollerith card, but is now referred to as the IBM card, and that made for faster processing.
So just as our nation's founding fathers gleaned ideas, we can garner interest from it — if we know how to read it.
Not bad thinking and writing in it, either.
September 12, 2012
Somehow I don't look at this as a "book" it's more of a document. But I do wish every American would read it. Get through the construction parts, see what's been changed over the life of our country by reading the amendments (the shameful attempt to allow slavery, the repudiation of slavery. the change from senators being selected by the house to being elected directly, etc., etc.).
Read, understand and treasure the rights guaranteed to every American in the Bill of Rights...note that, "The Bill of RIGHTS". Then realize they apply to all Americans.
Learn and treasure what it is to be an American.
Read, understand and treasure the rights guaranteed to every American in the Bill of Rights...note that, "The Bill of RIGHTS". Then realize they apply to all Americans.
Learn and treasure what it is to be an American.
July 25, 2011
I read it. I wish Congress would too.
May 1, 2020
ap us gov and politics got me reading the constitution to take notes on it sigh
one star for the like twelve hours spent on this
yes i’m adding this to my reading challenge mind your own business
one star for the like twelve hours spent on this
yes i’m adding this to my reading challenge mind your own business
August 2, 2008
I'm gonna take the first step to understand the laws of the land. Mabey if more people read and studied this book, we would not have the shit-hole government that we do.
December 3, 2020
possibly the lamest book out there. buncha morons in wigs got together and wrote this so they and their spawn could maintain an aristocratic chokehold over american society. as a piece of literature, it obviously flounders compared to the delicate prose of "The Declaration of Independence," but the prose isn't the problem here. The problems are the arbitrary rules and overcomplications that twisted the american system in a way pointing toward prosperity for few and poverty for the people. the first amendment is a banger, the second is chill, the third is cool, most of the amendments are alright but goddamn do these guys blow.
May 16, 2020
It's about time I read this, and so grateful. Only as an older, experienced adult could I fully appreciate this expertly crafted work. Got chills reciting the President's Inaugural Oath!
Refreshers from the original document :
-----------------------
"This Constitution... shall be the supreme Law of the Land"
“The Number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty Thousand”
"The Congress shall assemble at least once in every Year, and such Meeting shall be on the first Monday in December"
"All bills for raising revenue shall originate from the House of Representatives"
"The Congress shall have Power To :
--- borrow Money on the credit of the United States
--- define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas…
--- raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years"
"No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States"
"The President shall have Power to fill up all Vacancies that may happen during the Recess of the Senate… he may, on extraordinary Occasions, convene both Houses"
"No religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States."
Refreshers from the original document :
-----------------------
"This Constitution... shall be the supreme Law of the Land"
“The Number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty Thousand”
"The Congress shall assemble at least once in every Year, and such Meeting shall be on the first Monday in December"
"All bills for raising revenue shall originate from the House of Representatives"
"The Congress shall have Power To :
--- borrow Money on the credit of the United States
--- define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas…
--- raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years"
"No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States"
"The President shall have Power to fill up all Vacancies that may happen during the Recess of the Senate… he may, on extraordinary Occasions, convene both Houses"
"No religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States."
February 17, 2017
It was time for a re-read.
December 22, 2015
I wanted to find some stuff I didn't know but this version excluded ammendments. I want to read the full version some day. I like knowing my constitutional rights but I didn't find anything I didn't know in this original version. The version lays out the original plan of government. I learned we are protected by the constitution when we talk about how much we make at work. I wanted to learn more.
I noted a couple excerpts:
To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries.
The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it.
I noted a couple excerpts:
To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries.
The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it.
October 17, 2017
I've probably read this a dozen times. Sometimes in parts, often from beginning to end. I'm a policy analyst by training, so this was essential/core reading in several university classes and really is essential/core reading for US Citizens. Strangely, it has many who treat it with an almost religious reverence without carefully reading the actual words. Hey, so it is like the Bible.
September 24, 2015
FIVE STARS FOR FREEDOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Read
July 22, 2018به قانون اساسی یه کشور دیگه نمره که نمیشه داد. یا اگه بشه نمره داد باید حقوقدان باشم که نمره بدم که نیستم.
اما به نظرم خیلی قانون اساسی جامع و کاملی نیست در مقایسه با قانون اساسی ایران که به ساحات گوناگون پرداخته. البته در تضمین آزادی شهروندان آمریکا و موارد اینچنینی خیلی محکم و جدی است
اما به نظرم خیلی قانون اساسی جامع و کاملی نیست در مقایسه با قانون اساسی ایران که به ساحات گوناگون پرداخته. البته در تضمین آزادی شهروندان آمریکا و موارد اینچنینی خیلی محکم و جدی است
Read
June 10, 2020Biggest takeaway: The Founding Fathers spelled choose “chuse”.
Seriously, though, definitely worth a read or reread if you, like me, haven’t done so since school.
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
Seriously, though, definitely worth a read or reread if you, like me, haven’t done so since school.
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
July 30, 2019
Something something Donald Trump
Read
March 2, 2022خوانش: 1400.12.10
میشه به قانون اساسی یه کشور نمره داد؟
فکر نکنم.
مسئولین و مردم در این قانوننامه با هم برابر بودن... برخلاف قانون حکومت فاسد ج.ا که مسئولین برابرتر هستن.
من فکر میکنم هر چی قانون کوتاهتر و روشنتر و کمتبصرهتر و کماستثناتر باشه قانون بهتریه.
میشه به قانون اساسی یه کشور نمره داد؟
فکر نکنم.
مسئولین و مردم در این قانوننامه با هم برابر بودن... برخلاف قانون حکومت فاسد ج.ا که مسئولین برابرتر هستن.
من فکر میکنم هر چی قانون کوتاهتر و روشنتر و کمتبصرهتر و کماستثناتر باشه قانون بهتریه.
February 17, 2021
The plot is basically non-existent, and it gets very preachy early on. I'm not familiar with Founding Fathers' body of work, but this did not convince me to read his other stuff: The word "shall" is literally repeated every two lines, like, pick up a damn thesaurus you dingus! Sorry Mr. Fathers, but this was very lazy of you.
September 27, 2020
A must read for every American
January 31, 2021
Fascinating little document which every American should read at least once a year. Why has it been so long between readings for me?! I think my last reading was in 2003 when we visited the District of Columbia as a family with our daughters. This is a handy little pocket-sized version of the document but if you do not want to purchase your own copy, you can still read The Constitution of the United States of America on-line here. But whatever you do, read it. Know what it says. Know your constitutional rights. People have fought and died to guarantee them for us. People are still dying to protect them for us.
Dh and I are planning to listen to Constitution 101 next, as it will explain the history behind the evolution of this document over the years. That should be helpful as I found myself woefully ignorant about some of the Amendments.
Dh and I are planning to listen to Constitution 101 next, as it will explain the history behind the evolution of this document over the years. That should be helpful as I found myself woefully ignorant about some of the Amendments.
March 14, 2022
2022-03-14 I read this first in 8th grade history class where we studied it very carefully for several months. I remember it was a remarkable experience that really helped get me interested in history, civics and how the world works. I was a mediocre student mostly up to the year before when I had another history teacher who helped ignite a passion in me for history and how the world has, does and could work. I got very good at understanding why all the parts of the constitution were put there, how they worked together, or inklings of how they did not quite fit right.
Junior year in high school, American history was required again and an additional go at the constitution was part of it, though not nearly as in-depth, but actually more of thinking and writing about the bigger picture. Excellent for me, though I saw more and more students not really caring.
I have read this once or twice since, besides various parts many times. Especially the amendments. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to understand the necessary checks an balances of a limited government, so that one's freedom can be protected - the key reason for a constitution in the first place.
Junior year in high school, American history was required again and an additional go at the constitution was part of it, though not nearly as in-depth, but actually more of thinking and writing about the bigger picture. Excellent for me, though I saw more and more students not really caring.
I have read this once or twice since, besides various parts many times. Especially the amendments. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to understand the necessary checks an balances of a limited government, so that one's freedom can be protected - the key reason for a constitution in the first place.
May 17, 2020
The basic framework of American government, it is a must read for all Americans.
May 2020: With America being fiercely split along party lines, every American needs to read the Constitution. Like the Bible many interpret to fit their beliefs. Read with an open mind.
May 2020: With America being fiercely split along party lines, every American needs to read the Constitution. Like the Bible many interpret to fit their beliefs. Read with an open mind.
June 12, 2016
flawed for sure
November 4, 2019
Great story. Often misinterpreted and misrepresented, especially since about 2017. Work-in-progress . . .
July 24, 2020
Readathon: This is part of a readathon to help me lower my TBR to a reasonable number. I may have to continue this readathon for five years to achieve this goal.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 702 reviews