The U.S. Constitution: A Reader

by Hillsdale College Politics Faculty (editor)

Featuring 113 primary source documents, The U.S. 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 -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, American History, Politics, Nonfiction

732 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 28, 2012

Reviews

[Ed Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tremendous Anthology

A well curated anthology of readings from Plato through Reagan - in all cases focused on the political philosophy and controversies in the United States Constitution. A thorough reading of this book gives you perspective on the arguments made during the development of the constitution, the controversies surrounding its implementation and the foundational elements of philosophy ranging from Plato to Paine. A must read for anyone interested in American legal, political or economic history.

[Gabby · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not finish this book because we stopped reading it and just watched the videos. You don't actually need to buy the book, because Hillsdale attaches each article in the lesson. So save yourself some money and do that :)

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely companion to refreshing on the US Constitution

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this as part of their course "Constitution 101". The supporting documents help us understand the intent of the founding fathers. Reading this will arm you with facts that should help you become an educated voter.