The U.S. Constitution: A Reader

by Hillsdale College Politics Faculty

Featuring 113 primary source documents , The U.S. Constitution: A Reader was developed for teaching the core course on the U.S. Constitution at Hillsdale College . Divided into eleven sections with introductions by members of Hillsdale's Politics Department faculty, readings cover:
-the principles of the American founding;
-the framing and structure of the Constitution;
-the secession crisis and the Civil War;
-the Progressive rejection of the Constitution; and
-the building of the administrative state based on Progressive principles. America's Founders created a form of government which had, in the words of James Madison, "no model on the face of the earth." Its moral foundation is in the Declaration of Independence and its principle of equal natural rights. Under the Constitution, government was to be limited to protecting those rights. In recent decades, the way our government operates has departed from the Constitution. Government has become less limited, and our liberties less secure. At the same time, true civic education in America--education in the Constitution--has largely died out. We at Hillsdale College see it as one of our highest duties to reverse this.

Genres: History, Politics, Nonfiction, American History, Law, Government, Philosophy

790 pages, Paperback

First published January 5, 2012

Reviews

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of original sources for the student of American History, specifically, the U.S. Constitution. I read this in order to prepare to teach a U.S. Constitution class to high school homeschoolers. I found that I needed to update my knowledge of American history in order to fully understand the original source materials within the reader. It inspired me to learn more about the history of our great country.

[John Minster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went back and forth on how to review this; it is difficult to rate a book which is simply a compilation of important works. But, the compilation I think is a good one, and the content itself is impeccable. It does due diligence, though certainly pushes a narrative which I think is correct. That said, everyone will get a tremendous amount out of this, regardless of whether you agree with the narrative or not.

Frankly I learned so much from this book. Reading the words of the Framers, those who inspired them, as well as the Anti-Federalists, the abolitionists, the nullification movement, the progressive movement, and the conservatives is not easy reading and it takes time, but it is most definitely interesting and worthwhile, lending broader intellectual foundations to the debates we have had and continue to have. I highly recommend this, assuming you come into it with the right mindset (that is: TO LEARN!)

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edited by Hillsdale College Politics Faculty this Reader was an eye opener. Starting with the Declaration of Independence, the Civil War, the beginning of the Progressive Era, and ending with Ronald Reagan, reading original documents and speeches brought new insight into our political heritage. So much of what I read was new material to me, which reflects on my public school education, I suppose. It was amazing to me, and sad. I was even a Political Science Major. Thank you Hillsdale College. This is a must read for anyone interested in our country's future, or wondering how we got to where we are today.

[Dante Ferrigno · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very important book in conjunction with Hillsdale's online Constitutional courses but also a great way to understand What America was established as, how she has changed, when she changed, how she changed, why she has changed, and the road back to greatness can all be found within the pages of this book.

[Steven Hancock · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific collection of speeches, letters and other primary sources looking at the history of the formation of the U.S. Constitution, and how it has been a cornerstone of our government since its inception, and how it has been interpreted, changed and fought against/for since its inception. Grade: A+

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great compilation of source documents that give perspective on the Founding, as well as present-day concepts of government, liberty, and morality. The documents range from letters between the founders,to essays by early philosophers, to writings from contemporary history.

[Kelsey Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

On week 6 of my online Constitution 101 course through Hillsdale college. Free. Sign up at Hillsdale.edu

I did it! Completed the 10 lecture course and passed the final test! My certificate is in the mail!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous. A must-have reference book full of original documents. Highly recommended.

[Sean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is just a terrific compilation from Hillsdale College faculty. If you want to understand a non-revisionist America, start here

[Cameron · Rating 4 out of 5]

I took the course this book is the text for. Excellent course, great reference book.

[JohnnyB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second time reading this book.

[Jon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great look into American history through primary sources. It's amazing how prescient the anti-federalists were. The constitution seems to be a major power grab by the government.

[kiwi · Rating 4 out of 5]

BAM. DONE DID IT.
HAS READ ENTIRE MAJIG FOR SUMMER SESSION.
...

Time to try and catch up with the rest of my reading, now....

[Adam Kazmierski · Rating 5 out of 5]

An overview of the forethought leading up to, the debate and discussion of, the execution and implementation of, and the challenges faced by the US Constitution. Consisting almost entirely of source documents and minimal commentary, the editors tell the story of how the Constitution came to be and how it has fared. Significant time is spent in the federalist papers to understand the rationale behind much of the document. Slavery and questions on states’ rights formed the central conflict that nearly spelled the end of the nation. Enlightened progressives knew better than the founders and transformed the country into an almost unrecognizable administrative state. Seeing how much more power the administrative state has taken since the conclusion of the time covered by these essays (up to Reagan’s first inaugural address) is certainly discouraging, but reading this and being informed and equipped to push back is a place to start.

[Susan Hylton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned so much by reading the actual speeches, essays and letters of historical figures. So many of the founders, including the documents like Declaration of Independence , say for themselves different things than todays ANALYSIS of history says they thought or believed. I also learned so much by reading progressives Herbert Croly, Woodrow Wilson, Theodore Roosevelt , Franklin Roosevelt, Lyndon Johnson and Bill Clinton. Their arguments for their point of view didn’t persuade me so much as inform me.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent volume filled with historical documents, all of which are extremely pertinent for modern America. Anyone interested in political science, the economy, or government would gain something by reading this.

Read the majority of this 700+ page book for my American Government class (an online Early College course at Hillsdale).

[Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really excellent compilation of primary source documents about the U.S. Constitution and how it has evolved and been interpreted over time. I learned a lot and this was a really valuable part of my self-education in American politics, civics, the U.S. Constitution, etc. I would recommend this book to my friends.

[Karyn Tripp]

Just started a free Constitution 101 course class from Hillsdale College :)