The Constitution of the United States of America

by Founding Fathers, David Osterlund (Introduction), Warren Burger (Commentaries by)

The landmark legal document of the United States, the U.S. Constitution comprises the primary law of the Federal Government. Signed by the members of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787, the Constitution outlines the powers and responsibilities of the three chief branches of the Federal Government, as well as the basic rights of the citizens of the United States. This beautiful gift edition contains the complete text of the United States Constitution, as well as all of its amendments. It is a treasure for Americans of all ages.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Politics, Classics, Philosophy, Law, Reference

127 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1787

About the author

The term Founding Fathers of the United States of America refers broadly to the individuals of the Thirteen British Colonies in North America who led the American Revolution against the authority of the British Crown and established the United States of America. It is also used more narrowly, referring specifically to those who either signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776 or who were delegates to the 1787 Constitutional Convention and took part in drafting the proposed Constitution of the United States. A further subset includes those who signed the Articles of Confederation. During much of the 19th century, they were referred to as either the "Founders" or the "Fathers".

Some historians define the "Founding Fathers" to mean a larger group, including not only the Signers and the Framers but also all those who, whether as politicians, jurists, statesmen, soldiers, diplomats, or ordinary citizens, took part in winning American independence and creating the United States of America. Historian Richard B. Morris in 1973 identified the following seven figures as the key Founding Fathers: John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and George Washington . Adams, Jefferson, and Franklin worked on the committee to draft the Declaration of Independence. Hamilton, Madison, and Jay were authors of the The Federalist Papers, advocating ratification of the Constitution. Washington commanded the revolutionary army. All served in important positions in the early government of the United States.

DOB based on First Continental Congress
DOD based on death of James Madison, last surviving member

Reviews

[Manny]

Has Goodreads got a new recommendations algorithm?! This seemed waaaaay smarter than usual...

[Scott Sigler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every American should read this. Particularly now.

[James Tullos · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hold on, who the fuck is saying a black person is 3/5 of a white one? Who thought that was okay?

[Charles van Buren · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fundamental governing document of the United States

This review is of the free Kindle edition as described below:

Publication Date: March 24, 2011
File Size: 93 KB
Word Wise: Enabled
Print Length: 50 pages
Enhanced Typesetting: Enabled
Lending: Enabled
Text-to-Speech: Not enabled
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
X-Ray: Enabled
ScreenReader: Supported
Language:: English
ASIN: B004TPCQWC

This free edition does not contain the Bill of Rights or any of the other amendments. Otherwise, it is an easy to read copy of the fundamental governing document and law of the United States, the bedrock, the foundation upon which the nation stands. Shake that foundation and the whole structure trembles. Shatter it and the nation falls to be replaced by something else, something lesser.

The Constitution was written for the people not lawyers. However, understanding is aided by some basic knowledge of history. Not just American history but that of Western Civilization in general.

I don't think that most people understand that the Constitution is a basic issue in the upcoming elections: Does the Constitution mean what it says or does the meaning fluctuate with the changing social and political views of a simple majority?

[Sidharth Vardhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will an American lose his citizenship if he one-stars this book?

[Ezra · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! What a piece of work. Twists, turns, cliffhangers! This will really leave the Nation on the edge of its seat.

[RK Byers · Rating 3 out of 5]

a lot of good ideas. except, you know, the 3/5ths part.

[Peter Macinnis · Rating 5 out of 5]

It might seem odd that an Australian would list this—and if you look at the shelves I have it on, Americans may perceive one apparent inconsistency. Folks, if you see 'odd' or 'inconsistent', you don't know the full story.

Because Britain had (and has) no written constitution, the Australian constitutional conventions needed to look closely at other examples, and high on their list was the US Constitution.

To be blunt, Australia's founding fathers (no women were allowed in) followed the US Constitution down an alley, mugged it, took its pocket contents, its hat and its shoes, turned them inside out, and claimed them as their own.

In some cases, they went the other way, as in the assignment of residual powers, but they drew on the experiences of the US in making their decisions.

The Australians were also canny about specifying the taking of censuses, knowing that the US census system was faltering under the huge population growth of the 1890s, not knowing that Herman Hollerith had invented the device that used to be a Hollerith card, but is now referred to as the IBM card, and that made for faster processing.

So just as our nation's founding fathers gleaned ideas, we can garner interest from it — if we know how to read it.

Not bad thinking and writing in it, either.

[Katie]

THIS IS FOR BOOKS I READ FOR WORK DONT JUDGE ME
1/16-1/6 4.5 stars TSH / ks
1/30-2/11 AMN - 4.5 / kh
2/12-2/13 untitled mm - 2
2/13-2/13 -CLOTD / cd -5
2/14-2/16 s /KR -4
2/26-/2/28 SRTF / ks -5
3/6-3/10 iib/mh - 3
3/11-3/12 - f / kh -5
3/24-3/24 md / as -5
3/27-5/6 F / kh again - 5!
5/7-5/8 tfwd/kh - 5!!!!!!! A MILLION
6/14-6/14 wb/cl - 4!
6/16-6/18-mt/ks -4b
6/18-7/10 ASB/krr - 4
7/10-7/10 WPF/ks - 3.5
7/11-7/12 SN/ks -4
8/8-8/10 FIL / lc - 2
8/10-8/11 XBSD /jp - 5
8/13-8/13 TPOTQ / kh - 3? 4?
8/14-8/17 MFBW - 3.5
8/18 dmdpf
8/31 tsh
8/31/-9/3 -am / as - 3.5
9/3-9/4 -ftb / gg - 3
9/20 -lll / kh -3.5
9/20-9/24 CH / KH - 4.5
9/25-9/29 - TWM / kk - 5
11/3-11/5 - LB /krr - 3

[Clayton Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read it. I wish Congress would too.

[Mike (the Paladin) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somehow I don't look at this as a "book" it's more of a document. But I do wish every American would read it. Get through the construction parts, see what's been changed over the life of our country by reading the amendments (the shameful attempt to allow slavery, the repudiation of slavery. the change from senators being selected by the house to being elected directly, etc., etc.).

Read, understand and treasure the rights guaranteed to every American in the Bill of Rights...note that, "The Bill of RIGHTS". Then realize they apply to all Americans.

Learn and treasure what it is to be an American.

[tammy · Rating 1 out of 5]

ap us gov and politics got me reading the constitution to take notes on it sigh

one star for the like twelve hours spent on this

yes i’m adding this to my reading challenge mind your own business

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm gonna take the first step to understand the laws of the land. Mabey if more people read and studied this book, we would not have the shit-hole government that we do.

[clara bow (hiatus)]

reading this for school so ofc i’m marking the constitution towards my reading goal

[Joshua Gonsalves · Rating 1 out of 5]

possibly the lamest book out there. buncha morons in wigs got together and wrote this so they and their spawn could maintain an aristocratic chokehold over american society. as a piece of literature, it obviously flounders compared to the delicate prose of "The Declaration of Independence," but the prose isn't the problem here. The problems are the arbitrary rules and overcomplications that twisted the american system in a way pointing toward prosperity for few and poverty for the people. the first amendment is a banger, the second is chill, the third is cool, most of the amendments are alright but goddamn do these guys blow.

[Darwin8u · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've probably read this a dozen times. Sometimes in parts, often from beginning to end. I'm a policy analyst by training, so this was essential/core reading in several university classes and really is essential/core reading for US Citizens. Strangely, it has many who treat it with an almost religious reverence without carefully reading the actual words. Hey, so it is like the Bible.

[Mattia · Rating 1 out of 5]

The plot is basically non-existent, and it gets very preachy early on. I'm not familiar with Founding Fathers' body of work, but this did not convince me to read his other stuff: The word "shall" is literally repeated every two lines, like, pick up a damn thesaurus you dingus! Sorry Mr. Fathers, but this was very lazy of you.

[Vaishali · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's about time I read this, and so grateful. Only as an older, experienced adult could I fully appreciate this expertly crafted work. Got chills reciting the President's Inaugural Oath!

Refreshers from the original document :
-----------------------

"This Constitution... shall be the supreme Law of the Land"

“The Number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty Thousand”

"The Congress shall assemble at least once in every Year, and such Meeting shall be on the first Monday in December"

"All bills for raising revenue shall originate from the House of Representatives"

"The Congress shall have Power To :
--- borrow Money on the credit of the United States
--- define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas…
--- raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years"

"No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States"

"The President shall have Power to fill up all Vacancies that may happen during the Recess of the Senate… he may, on extraordinary Occasions, convene both Houses"

"No religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States."

[Cathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was time for a re-read.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to find some stuff I didn't know but this version excluded ammendments. I want to read the full version some day. I like knowing my constitutional rights but I didn't find anything I didn't know in this original version. The version lays out the original plan of government. I learned we are protected by the constitution when we talk about how much we make at work. I wanted to learn more.

I noted a couple excerpts:

To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries.

The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it.

[Jerrica · Rating 5 out of 5]

FIVE STARS FOR FREEDOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Ghasem Safaeinejad]

به قانون اساسی یه کشور دیگه نمره که نمیشه داد. یا اگه بشه نمره داد باید حقوقدان باشم که نمره بدم که نیستم.
اما به نظرم خیلی قانون اساسی جامع و کاملی نیست در مقایسه با قانون اساسی ایران که به ساحات گوناگون پرداخته. البته در تضمین آزادی شهروندان آمریکا و موارد اینچنینی خیلی محکم و جدی است

[Malia]

Biggest takeaway: The Founding Fathers spelled choose “chuse”.
Seriously, though, definitely worth a read or reread if you, like me, haven’t done so since school.

Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com

[T · Rating 3 out of 5]

Something something Donald Trump

[Ardavan Bayat]

خوانش: 1400.12.10

می‌شه به قانون اساسی یه کشور نمره داد؟
فکر نکنم.
مسئولین و مردم در این قانون‌نامه با هم برابر بودن... برخلاف قانون حکومت فاسد ج.ا که مسئولین برابرتر هستن.
من فکر می‌کنم هر چی قانون کوتاه‌تر و روشن‌تر و کم‌تبصره‌تر و کم‌استثناتر باشه قانون بهتریه.

[Emma · Rating 1 out of 5]

lol these guys can't spell "choose"

[Mackey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for every American

[booklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating little document which every American should read at least once a year. Why has it been so long between readings for me?! I think my last reading was in 2003 when we visited the District of Columbia as a family with our daughters. This is a handy little pocket-sized version of the document but if you do not want to purchase your own copy, you can still read The Constitution of the United States of America on-line here. But whatever you do, read it. Know what it says. Know your constitutional rights. People have fought and died to guarantee them for us. People are still dying to protect them for us.

Dh and I are planning to listen to Constitution 101 next, as it will explain the history behind the evolution of this document over the years. That should be helpful as I found myself woefully ignorant about some of the Amendments.

[Patrick Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

2022-03-14 I read this first in 8th grade history class where we studied it very carefully for several months. I remember it was a remarkable experience that really helped get me interested in history, civics and how the world works. I was a mediocre student mostly up to the year before when I had another history teacher who helped ignite a passion in me for history and how the world has, does and could work. I got very good at understanding why all the parts of the constitution were put there, how they worked together, or inklings of how they did not quite fit right.

Junior year in high school, American history was required again and an additional go at the constitution was part of it, though not nearly as in-depth, but actually more of thinking and writing about the bigger picture. Excellent for me, though I saw more and more students not really caring.

I have read this once or twice since, besides various parts many times. Especially the amendments. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to understand the necessary checks an balances of a limited government, so that one's freedom can be protected - the key reason for a constitution in the first place.

[Jason Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read in The Constitution of the United States of America and Selected Writings of the Founding Fathers.

I decided to reread this in honor of Constitution Day today (9-17-17). This was signed 230 years ago today, though it took 10 months to get officially ratified by nine states, and it would take over two and a half years before the other stragglers would make it fully ratified.

This document is ingenious, and more importantly it stays pretty simple. Since then things have gone to hell in a handcart, and bureaucratic agencies which are accountable to nobody (unlike congress) and creative interpretations of the laws due to linguistic acrobatics have twisted the founders intentions clearly stated in this document into a system of government it was never intended to be.





Tell it, George. Loopholes galore, I tell ya.

Thankfully some things in here are rock solid no matter how hard some groups try to change them. Freedom of speech, right to bear arms, etc. That doesn't mean they can't be changed at all. An amendment took care of the 3/5 compromise. One also took care of the problem with the vice presidency which was good in theory but very poor in practice as they found out after the first real election between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, two people who couldn't agree on the color of the sky. And if you think elections are dirty nowadays (and I will confess 2016 got a little nasty), you should've seen that one in 1800, Jackson and Quincy Adams in 1828, and Cleveland and Blaine in 1884. They bypassed the mud and flung fecal matter instead. Anyway, it used to be that the person with the second most votes became the vice president. Now that I think about it, I would love to see Clinton as Trump's veep just for shits and giggles.


"Thank you for a hard and well-fought campaign Hillary. I appreciate it and wish to give you some intermittent vacation time on your first state visit tour. I've arranged for a flyover of the Bermuda Triangle on the way since it's such a lovely, lovely thing to see, and I thought you'd like it. When you get to Syria you'll be given a Ford Pinto which is very, very reliable transportation. Don't pay any attention to what people say about it. I know more about cars and mechanics than Detroit. You'll see Abu Bakr al-Baghadadi, and you need to tell him he needs to hush that fuss. Once you're done there, it's a camel ride through the Sahara then the Tarzan vine tour through the Congo to Luanda where you'll board a canoe that will take you through the straits of Magellan directly to North Korea where you need to tell Dennis Rodman to wash his hair. I know it sounds like you're going around your ass to get to your elbow, but trust me on this: I know more about maps than Rand McNally. This is the fastest way. Call me when you get there. Love ya, have a nice trip, buh-bye." #bitchisgone4eva

Article IV points out one of the most hypocritical aspects of the Civil War with respect to West Virginia. It clearly states you can't make a new state out of parts of an old one without the consent of the existing state. There was also a secession question. There's nothing in the constitution explicitly prohibiting secession, but people make the argument that there are parts that implicitly prohibit it, but if you take that stance you have to concede that the ninth amendment implicitly protects it. During the war there was a lot of jibber-jabber about how the southern states could claim to be seceded but that they were really still part of the Union and simply in a state of revolt. (This was Lincoln's take on the matter). If you believe that, then the formation of West Virginia was unconstitutional, no ifs, ands, or buts about it, but the Yankees had no problem saying that was just fine and dandy. You can't have it both ways if you're being honest about it, but that's what makes history exciting. Of course after the Civil War was over, and Lincoln was dead, and the radical republicans were running reconstruction, the southern states were deemed to have seceded after all, put under martial law, had to reapply to the Union, etc. West Virginia was never put back with Virginia, but we didn't want those chuckle-heads anyway, so it all worked out.

I enjoy reading the amendments because you can follow a brief history of the country, including a couple of "Whoops, that was a bad idea" moments like Prohibition. As time progressed, the amendments got more cumbersome and sometimes a bit inane. Freedom of speech, who has the right to vote, etc. all seem like worthy topics for a constitution, but amendment 27 ratified in 1992 after a 202 year wait concerning congressional pay? I guess we know where our congressmen's priorities lie nowadays.

That makes me think of something else. Do you ever watch C-SPAN? Have you ever gone to a session at the House of Representatives? You think it's like this...



...when it's really like this:



I'm serious. I sat in on one for a bit about 20 years ago. There were six people there. One presenting her bill, someone at the big desk, then four others talking to each other, waiting for their turn to talk to nobody. It's a sick joke. I wish I could get paid for absenteeism. I understand that nowadays most of the congressmen waiting their turns are playing on their smart phones. And they have the temerity to claim they have nothing in common with Trump!

Anyway, everyone should read this from time to time so you know how your government is supposed to be operating.