A Pocket Guide to the U.S. Constitution

by Andrew B. Arnold

This book tells you what experts assume you already know. The available pocket-sized and back-of-the-textbook Constitutions don’t do enough. They format the Constitution like a short story. They leave out the names of articles, sections, and clauses. They leave out the standard numbering system. They don’t define basic terms. My students need this information, so familiar to lawyers and scholars. When I ask students to turn to the “Commerce Clause,” I want us to end up in the same place (Article 1, Section 8, Clause 3). And when we get there, I want them to know what it means. Most non-pocket guides have the opposite problem. They tend to be massive and impenetrable. Scholars and lawyers examine the Constitution case by case, topic by topic, amendment by amendment. They use a specialized language. They assume their readers already know the subject, as well as the legal and scholarly debates. But the Constitution is not only a matter of scholarly, legal debate; it is part of the way Americans live. It is how we understand our rights and obligations as people and as A People–every day. We need a guide that will fit in a pocket, briefcase, or backpack. We need a way to answer basic questions that arise day to day, or in a class period, or in the course of reading more in-depth books on the topic. This book is a place to begin to understand the United States Constitution. It is as complete as I can make it and still have it fit in your pocket. It’s as simple as I can make and still have it be accurate. Andrew B. Arnold, Ph.D. Kutztown, Pennsylvania

184 pages, Paperback

First published December 21, 2010

Reviews

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came upon this book at the Kutztown University bookstore. An alumni and longer a student, I had no need for this book as a required reading but for pure interest only. Also, I have never had Dr. Arnold for any classes, so no bias here on that matter. Having not had any kind of immersion into a class or discussion on the U.S. Constitution since 10th grade, I thought it appropriate to pick up a pocket sized book that I could easily read and gain insight into the Constitution without heavy reading. I found exactly what I needed in this book. I gained an enhanced understanding of the U.S. Constitution, it's historical context, background, and influences of major Supreme Court Rulings in regards to its interpretation. Now I feel more confident to respond to the argument of "It's in the Constitution!" With a "yes and"...(insert landmark Supreme Court case per argument.)

[Anne Jordan-Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this short book way more than I expected. Reading this was a great way to learn about the Constitution but also about American history since the 18th century. A really interesting and fun read. No, I’m not kidding.

Spoiler: the 18th amendment didn’t work out so well.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and important read. One downside is the book could get dry at times.

[Earl Tower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Andrew Arnold has attempted within 170 pages to give a concise summary of the U.S Constitution, its history, and how many of the decisions and interpretations of the past are still very much with us today. The author does not attempt to lay out any political agenda or biased interpretation of the document that is the very core of American jurisprudence. Instead he has successfully contextualized each article and amendment of the U.S. Constitution in light of the original Constitutional Convention, and historical evolution of interpretations right up to the modern era.

This is an excellent resource for those wanting to get a broad overview of this complex but vital piece of the United States. It also makes a good gift to students studying American history.

[Maria Yohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this. What more can I say?