Elementary Catechism on the Constitution of the United States: For the Use of Schools

by Arthur J. Stansbury

2012 Reprint of 1828 Edition. Exact facsimile of the original edition, not reproduced with Optical Recognition Software. Want to know the Constitution? Then get this book! By 1839 this book was the standard textbook for learning the Constitution in American classrooms. Written as a "catechism" in question and answer format, Stansbury's 1828 edition contains 332 Questions/Answers on the Constitution with step by step commentary on all of the important features of "a government of law and not of men." The Catechism was first used in the early 1800's for school children but should be required reading in every school today. It is an excellent way to re-acquaint you with the nature and benefit of strict constitutional government. "An ignorant people are easily betrayed, and a wicked people can never be ruled by the mild influence of their own laws." - Arthur J. Stansbury

Genres: American

68 pages, Paperback

First published August 12, 2009

Reviews

[Dante Ferrigno · Rating 5 out of 5]

One must have a good understanding of Amendments 12-27 that were added to the Constitution after this work because a simple familiarity with the current way our government operates would raise many questions that understanding these last 16 Amendments would have already answered.

Overall, this book is a wonderful way to grasp the original intent of the the Constitution, and the Founding in general. This bit of the conclusion says it all, "An ignorant people are easily betrayed, and a wicked people can never be ruled by the mild influence of their own laws. If you would be free--if you would see your country grow in all that constitutes greatness--cultivate knowledge--flee from vice. The virtuous citizen is the true noble. He who enlightens his understanding--controls his passions--feels for his country's honor--rejoices in her prosperity--steps forth to aid her in her hour of danger--devotes to her advancement the fruits of his mind, and consecrates to her cause, his time, his property, and his noblest powers, such a man is one of God's nobility; he needs neither riband, nor star; his country knows and remembers his name; nor could any title add to his honor, or his reward."

[Rick Gleason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Needed Today More Than Ever!

An easy read of less than two hours. It’s just the basics, and a few things have changed in the last 190+ years since it was written. But, it contains a powerful, easy to read education all Americans should know and remember. Why these basic, and important precepts are not taught today in our schools, I’ll leave to your own conclusions..

It’s clear evidence, in consideration of the trials facing many of our cities and our nation today, there are many who govern, who haven’t a clue what it means when they take the oath to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States.” In the end, God will be their judge.

The author says it best, in his conclusion: “remember that a constitution which gives to the people so much freedom, and entrusts them with so much power, rests for its permanency, on their knowledge and virtue. An ignorant people are easily betrayed.”

Buy this book, read it and share it.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a student text book written in 1828! I loved it. I will be re-reading it. Great way to learn the original intent of the the U.S. Constitution. It was provided for the encouragement of learning about your home, your country. I am taking time to RE-learn about my Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.

[Ruthann Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! This was an excellent book about the founding of our country. It was originally written for school children so it's easy to understand. This is a book which should still be taught in school! I recommend this book for everyone!

[Joel Everett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A few parts are no longer relevant due to changes to the Constitution, but a very good and thorough exploration of the meaning of the Constitution; very much from an Originalist view.