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Elementary Catechism on the Constitution of the United States. For the Use of Schools.
"To appreciate the literal reality of the emphasis on politics in early American education, one need only examine the popular textbook on political instruction for children. It was called a 'Catechism on the Constitution,' and it contained both questions and answers concerning the principles of the American political system." - W. Cleon Skousen in "5000 Year Leap"
Published in 1828, Arthur J. Stansbury's "Catechism on the Constitution" was used to teach schoolchildren in the United States about their unique political system. Over 180 years later it is still an intriguing and informative look into the way the U.S. Constitution was understood, interpreted, and taught in the early years of the nation. Written in Question & Answer format, it has been described the the "U.S. Constitution FAQ."
Special Complete and unabridged with original cover and table of contents.
Published in 1828, Arthur J. Stansbury's "Catechism on the Constitution" was used to teach schoolchildren in the United States about their unique political system. Over 180 years later it is still an intriguing and informative look into the way the U.S. Constitution was understood, interpreted, and taught in the early years of the nation. Written in Question & Answer format, it has been described the the "U.S. Constitution FAQ."
Special Complete and unabridged with original cover and table of contents.
- GenresAmerican
82 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 12, 2009
23 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
February 1, 2013
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."
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."
August 29, 2020
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.
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.
November 5, 2020
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.
July 17, 2021
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!
November 14, 2020
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.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews