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What Is the Constitution?
We the people at Who HQ bring readers the full story--arguments and all--of how the US Constitution came into being.
Signed on September 17, 1787--four years after the American War for Independence--the Constitution laid out the supreme law of the United States of America. Today it's easy for us to take this blueprint of our government for granted. But the Framers--fifty-five men from almost all of the original 13 states--argued fiercely for many months over what ended up being only a four-page document. Here is a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the hotly fought issues--those between Northern and Southern States; big states and little ones--and the key players such as James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and George Washington who suffered through countless revisions to make the Constitution happen.
Signed on September 17, 1787--four years after the American War for Independence--the Constitution laid out the supreme law of the United States of America. Today it's easy for us to take this blueprint of our government for granted. But the Framers--fifty-five men from almost all of the original 13 states--argued fiercely for many months over what ended up being only a four-page document. Here is a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the hotly fought issues--those between Northern and Southern States; big states and little ones--and the key players such as James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and George Washington who suffered through countless revisions to make the Constitution happen.
112 pages, Library Binding
First published June 19, 2018
125 people are currently reading
402 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
May 12, 2020
I recently read another junior non-fiction book about the Constitution so I felt like a lot of this information was fairly repetitive. That said, if you don't know anything about the Constitution or would like a refresher this is a great place to start.
I actually listened to the audio and it was good, but you'll miss out on the awesome illustrations if you go that route.
I actually listened to the audio and it was good, but you'll miss out on the awesome illustrations if you go that route.
November 15, 2025
Short refresher
February 7, 2023
This is an absolutely terrific, must-read little story of the most important document in the history of our country (and, maybe, the world): The United States Constitution. For over 240 years now, the four-page document has given Americans an outline of their rights and liberties, and the 27 amendments, or changes, to the Constitution since 1789 have made our country stronger. The founding fathers who wrote it (Madison, Sherman, Franklin, etc.) had the wisdom to understand that times would change, and the Constitution would change with the times - and there is a process to make changes. I think every American over the age of 9 should read this "What Is" book to get a better understanding of why we're the greatest nation in the world!
October 31, 2020
This book was so helpful! I wish textbooks were written this way, I would understand school so much better! I’m not sure how historically accurate this book is, but the stuff that was was definitely helpful!
November 1, 2019
I really like most of the books in this series because they generally provide a quick look at some historical figure or event that may interest you in reading more on that topic. Or if you’ve already read up on a topic, it can act as a quick review of the facts. Most of the series that I’ve read so far have been excellent considering their brevity and that they are targeting the young readers. In the case of What Is the Constitution by Patricia Brennan Demuth I felt it was on its way to another 4/5 star read until political correctness reared its ugly head in the treatment of the cover art as well as the coverage about the treatment of the second amendment! To state that the second amendment only applies to militias and muskets as that is what they had at that time implies that the first amendment would not apply to radio, television, or the internet as they didn’t exist either back then. Bias was clearly exposed by the author who unfairly presented a one-sided view without adding the opinions of the many scholars and citizens who disagree with the author’s take. At least she should have presented both viewpoints to avoid the appearance of trying to indoctrinate our youth. It’s sad that I have to write this low review when most of the rest of the content was very well done. Not recommended.
March 19, 2023
Overall, this is a good overview of the events and major compromises agreed upon in the Constitutional Convention. There was unfortunate modern commentary added to the explanation of the second amendment which was not in keeping with the overall tone of the book. Instead of just stating the rights guaranteed in the second amendment, the authors added commentary about modern gun violence, assault weapons, etc. I feel this unnecessarily politicized a basic historical book for kids. Like it or not, this is currently a guarantee in the second amendment and should just be stated as so in a general overview history book. If the author wants to write another book delving into the more controversial modern interpretations of the Supreme Court than go for it but I found it disingenuous. None of the other bill of rights amendments listed had any other commentary and the other controversial amendments to the Constitution were not brought up.
October 23, 2019
I think this book has a nice timeline, and very nice portraits, and photographs.
October 20, 2020
Easy to read and understand, great book as an introduction to the Constitution.
June 12, 2020
As a teacher, I have come to deeply appreciate the ‘Who HQ’ books for supplemental history/social studies reading. The books are short, but packed with key details, dates, and tidbits of history that do not overwhelm, making retention of all that historical importance possible.
‘What Is the Constitution’ allows us to grasp the fact that, even in its infancy, the United States was plagued by troubles, matched only by determination. Our great country did not simply pop into existence after a tea party at the harbor and a tussle with the British. Real men & women worked hard, gave their livelihoods, and sometimes their very lives to create the liberties we hold to be self evident.
Also, in a time where my students are experiencing wide spread civil rights movements, it was good for them to understand that our forefathers were as divided as some are still today, that the original constitution declared slaves less than human, that the resulting Civil War, segregation, & racism throughout the following decades has been a festering wound since the very inception of the United States. A valuable lesson in empathy.
Women’s rights to vote, understanding the electoral college, how and why a president can be impeached, the birth of Congress, the role of the Supreme Court... all of these lessons in this short book serve to teach my children one thing above all; Nothing is perfect, save God alone. To know better is to DO better.
‘What Is the Constitution’ allows us to grasp the fact that, even in its infancy, the United States was plagued by troubles, matched only by determination. Our great country did not simply pop into existence after a tea party at the harbor and a tussle with the British. Real men & women worked hard, gave their livelihoods, and sometimes their very lives to create the liberties we hold to be self evident.
Also, in a time where my students are experiencing wide spread civil rights movements, it was good for them to understand that our forefathers were as divided as some are still today, that the original constitution declared slaves less than human, that the resulting Civil War, segregation, & racism throughout the following decades has been a festering wound since the very inception of the United States. A valuable lesson in empathy.
Women’s rights to vote, understanding the electoral college, how and why a president can be impeached, the birth of Congress, the role of the Supreme Court... all of these lessons in this short book serve to teach my children one thing above all; Nothing is perfect, save God alone. To know better is to DO better.
March 28, 2022
“What is The Constitution” by Patricia Brennan Demuth is a nonfiction book that tells the story of the Constitution. This book reads as a chapter book and has supplemental black and white pictures to help support the text. The book begins by explaining how the Constitution came to be and why it was needed. There’s a chapter that follows the Constitutional Convention that took place in Philadelphia, and who was involved in the inner workings of creating the constitution. There was discussion of the back and forth between the “big and small” states and the North and South at the convention. The author did a wonderful job of explaining in a way that got the facts across while also being easily understood.Then the book goes on to when the Constitution was put into effect, and how it eventually needed to be amended with the Bill of Rights. It ends with how the Constitution is a “living document” and is ever changing to meet the needs of society.
I would use this book as an independent reading for grades 4-5. This text is a chapter book that would be readable for students in the upper grades, and has pictures that help scaffold information for students as well. One activity I would have students do with this book is to make a timeline of the Constitution; how it started, came to be, and what it has eventually become. This could be done by drawing out a timeline, or using technology to make one online. Another activity would be for students to decide ways in which they believe the constitution could be changed now, to better fit the needs of our society in our time. Students could work in groups to come up with new amendments, and then share with the class. The class could vote on which amendments they would like to be set forth and it would be like a “mock convention”. I believe this book should be introduced to students in the elementary classroom because it speaks to something that impacts all students, and has shaped the society they live in today. This nonfiction text resonated with me because it goes into depth about how the Constitution had to be changed, and it shows students that there is power in the people, to change what needs to be changed. As far as being a multicultural piece -I think students should examine how the constitution did not, and does not meet the needs of all people living in the United States, and think about how we have the power to try and change that.
I would use this book as an independent reading for grades 4-5. This text is a chapter book that would be readable for students in the upper grades, and has pictures that help scaffold information for students as well. One activity I would have students do with this book is to make a timeline of the Constitution; how it started, came to be, and what it has eventually become. This could be done by drawing out a timeline, or using technology to make one online. Another activity would be for students to decide ways in which they believe the constitution could be changed now, to better fit the needs of our society in our time. Students could work in groups to come up with new amendments, and then share with the class. The class could vote on which amendments they would like to be set forth and it would be like a “mock convention”. I believe this book should be introduced to students in the elementary classroom because it speaks to something that impacts all students, and has shaped the society they live in today. This nonfiction text resonated with me because it goes into depth about how the Constitution had to be changed, and it shows students that there is power in the people, to change what needs to be changed. As far as being a multicultural piece -I think students should examine how the constitution did not, and does not meet the needs of all people living in the United States, and think about how we have the power to try and change that.
June 6, 2023
I really liked this book until I got close to the end. It started out as engaging and a good representation of the issues surrounding creating the constitution. It fell flat for me though in a few sections:
I didn't like the 2nd amendment coverage. I'm picky about that because it's an issue I care about.
As a silly side note: there also seems to be some confusion concerning a semi-automatic vs. an automatic weapon. The book states, "They argue that the framers of the Constitution never imagined automatic weapons being carried on the city streets." *snicker* Those of you who care about this sort of thing get it. ;-)
It also seemed as if there was a subtle bias against the electoral college. I'm for it...so...not a fan of how it was presented. A lot of people seem to want the vote for president to be the popular vote without understanding how states like California would rule the country if that were so and the states with small populations (like Montana, etc.) would be left unrepresented. The author only stated facts about the electoral college, but in a way that left me feeling as if she doesn't approve of it.
If the sections above were covered differently, I'd give the book 4 stars.
I didn't like the 2nd amendment coverage. I'm picky about that because it's an issue I care about.
As a silly side note: there also seems to be some confusion concerning a semi-automatic vs. an automatic weapon. The book states, "They argue that the framers of the Constitution never imagined automatic weapons being carried on the city streets." *snicker* Those of you who care about this sort of thing get it. ;-)
It also seemed as if there was a subtle bias against the electoral college. I'm for it...so...not a fan of how it was presented. A lot of people seem to want the vote for president to be the popular vote without understanding how states like California would rule the country if that were so and the states with small populations (like Montana, etc.) would be left unrepresented. The author only stated facts about the electoral college, but in a way that left me feeling as if she doesn't approve of it.
If the sections above were covered differently, I'd give the book 4 stars.
September 13, 2018
What is the Constitution? by Patricia Brennan Demuth, 107 pages. NON-FICTION Penguin Workshop, 2018. $9. Content: Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: G.
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL -ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
This is the history of how the United States got it’s Constitution. Starting with the Revolutionary War, going through the Constitutional Convention and then ending with an explanation of the Bill of Rights. There are specific examples of when the Constitution has come into play historically, as well as short side stories of historical figures who were involved in writing the Constitution or changing the laws that added amendments.
I love this series and enjoyed this succinct summary about the Constitution. The cover is awful and my boys weren’t interested in reading the book based on the cover, which is the only reason I made it advisable. This is a great way to introduce the history of the constitution and give a simple explanation of the three branches of government.
C. Peterson
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL -ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
This is the history of how the United States got it’s Constitution. Starting with the Revolutionary War, going through the Constitutional Convention and then ending with an explanation of the Bill of Rights. There are specific examples of when the Constitution has come into play historically, as well as short side stories of historical figures who were involved in writing the Constitution or changing the laws that added amendments.
I love this series and enjoyed this succinct summary about the Constitution. The cover is awful and my boys weren’t interested in reading the book based on the cover, which is the only reason I made it advisable. This is a great way to introduce the history of the constitution and give a simple explanation of the three branches of government.
C. Peterson
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
August 6, 2018
This is a succinct, but fascinating summary of how the citizens (that is, only white male landowner citizens) of the newly formed United States arrived at an agreement about what their form of government would be. Starting just after the end of the Revolutionary War, and culminating in the adoption of the Constitution and Bill of Rights, well-chosen incidents detail the often-contentious crafting of the Constitution, its adoption, and the amendments that have been made to it. Controversial topics, such as the issue of slavery and women’s lack of right to vote also receive treatment. Plentiful black-and-white drawings and sixteen pages of photos clarify the text.
February 23, 2021
We checked out this book and listened to it on audio. The narrator's voice was clear and easy to understand.
Reviews from the children (boy and girl ages 8 and 10)
"I really think it was good and information. If you ever needed something on a project you could just go to this book and you could really learn some things from it. Especially if you had a project on history."
"This book was informational and kind of exciting but also kind of boring. There wasn't a lot of action. It was mostly just teaching laws."
Things they both remember learning from this book.
The 3 branches of government.
The purpose of the Constitution.
Information about the Bill of Rights.
How states were admitted in to the union.
Reviews from the children (boy and girl ages 8 and 10)
"I really think it was good and information. If you ever needed something on a project you could just go to this book and you could really learn some things from it. Especially if you had a project on history."
"This book was informational and kind of exciting but also kind of boring. There wasn't a lot of action. It was mostly just teaching laws."
Things they both remember learning from this book.
The 3 branches of government.
The purpose of the Constitution.
Information about the Bill of Rights.
How states were admitted in to the union.
September 16, 2020
This very quick read was a highlight as I prepared a short lesson on Constitution Day. This series does an excellent job of relating facts, as well as lesser-known details to catch kids' interest. It's a great introduction to the Constitutional Convention and the Constitution for middle grade kids. It's relatively new (2018), so I'll be interested to see how it ages (there's an illustration of Trump/Clinton, and a couple of sociopolitical references that may be effective now but less meaningful down the road.)
December 11, 2020
My kids and I have read about 15 books in this series, and to my great surprise, this one elicited some of the best conversations. I expected it to be among the dullest for them, and at points it was, but some of the discussions were fruitful, especially regarding whether all amendments are currently necessary, and when change and further amendment is helpful. A good starting point when teaching kids about the Constitution.
December 22, 2020
4.5 stars.
This short book for young readers gives an accurate and concise historical portrait of the incredible document that still governs our country today. Signed four years after the Revolutionary War on September 17, 1787, the Constitution outlines the ultimate law of the United States of America. Fifty-five men disagreed for many months over the wording of the document finally producing a four-page parchment that would change the world.
This short book for young readers gives an accurate and concise historical portrait of the incredible document that still governs our country today. Signed four years after the Revolutionary War on September 17, 1787, the Constitution outlines the ultimate law of the United States of America. Fifty-five men disagreed for many months over the wording of the document finally producing a four-page parchment that would change the world.
June 5, 2022
Overall good, but I feel the author doesn’t have a firm grasp of the 2nd Amendment, although being a kids book, it’s understandable that she wouldn’t go into much detail. Like most people, it’s unclear if she knows the difference between auto and semi-auto weapons. However, she is fair in that she mentions that there are two differing options on the 2nd Amendment and she presents both as opinions rather than one as fact.
November 5, 2020
This week was the perfect time to read about our constitution, and this is a fantastic resource for kids (and probably many adults). I added this one to our home library because I think it’s one we’ll revisit many times to continue to build the kids’ understanding our how our government was formed and runs. It was a bonus to make connections to things happening around us.
November 5, 2020
This book did a pretty good job of explaining the US Constitution and how it came to be in a manner that made sense to my 7, 9, and 10 year olds. Combined with a unit study my children were able to get a decent idea of what the Constitution is, why it is necessary, and who were instrumental in creating it.
December 21, 2021
This was a great overview and it explained everything in a simple but interesting way. It would be good for middle school kids. There were a couple of times that some information was presented in a biased way, however, where the reasoning behind a viewpoint of some was shared but not the reasoning behind any opposing viewpoints.
February 15, 2022
Reading this made me very appreciative of our system of government. I did not realize how hard it was for the men who wrote the Constitution to create it and get it ratified. And the fact that they debated it in Pennsylvania during summer in a building near a stable with the windows shut...that's dedication!
February 15, 2024
I read this book to be judge it for a third grade reading project. It is a good book and worthy read - informative and in its 108 pages a good explanation of the Constitution I think.
It would however take time, I think, for a child digest all the content - but worthy if they took the time along with a parent or teacher etc.
It would however take time, I think, for a child digest all the content - but worthy if they took the time along with a parent or teacher etc.
June 24, 2024
Carrots
Octopus
Nectarines
Sugar
Tea
Ice-cream
Tacos
Upside-down-cake
Tootsie-rolls
Italian-bread
Oranges
Nuts
????????????
Collaborative
Organized
Notifications
Specifying
Treasured
Ideas &
Traditions
United
Territories
Imagined
Offering
Nation
????????????
Prudent
Authoritative
Thoughtful
Reasonable
Informative
Careful
Illustrative
Apples
Octopus
Nectarines
Sugar
Tea
Ice-cream
Tacos
Upside-down-cake
Tootsie-rolls
Italian-bread
Oranges
Nuts
????????????
Collaborative
Organized
Notifications
Specifying
Treasured
Ideas &
Traditions
United
Territories
Imagined
Offering
Nation
????????????
Prudent
Authoritative
Thoughtful
Reasonable
Informative
Careful
Illustrative
Apples
July 6, 2025
Read with my family the day after July 4 and as preparation for a trip we were planning to Philadelphia. It’s a good summary of how the constitution came to be and the key players and what it means to us today. I was surprised that it got a little political at the end but I didn’t mind the tie in to today’s issues.
February 7, 2019
A great intro to how US government is structured. Also covers the Bill of Rights and the 13th and 19th Amendments.
I could see a sliiiiiiightly liberal bent (mostly in how much time it spent explaining why some people disagree with the 2nd amendment), but it didn’t take sides.
Recommended!
I could see a sliiiiiiightly liberal bent (mostly in how much time it spent explaining why some people disagree with the 2nd amendment), but it didn’t take sides.
Recommended!
July 1, 2020
Our forefathers obviously spent an enormous amount of time and energy drafting the Constitution, which has stood the test of time; allowing Americans the kind of "liberty and justice for all" that every citizen has the right to enjoy.
August 18, 2022
A fairly easy read; finished it in less than 24 hours. It's pretty interesting, and has many facts about the making of the Constitution.
Overall, I'd give it 3.5 stars. The illustrations (as well as the historic photographs) inside were nice to look at, and it was rather informative.
Overall, I'd give it 3.5 stars. The illustrations (as well as the historic photographs) inside were nice to look at, and it was rather informative.
January 13, 2023
Look, I know these are geared towards kids. As someone who loves history though I happen to find this series of books interesting and enjoyable. This one is great for kids just starting to learn about the Constitution.
May 3, 2024
Read this with my 9 year old. For a short book, it packs a lot of information. It is easily digestible information for kids between 9 - 12, I would say. It's a good starting point and intro into the Constitution. I also liked the pictures and photos in the back of the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews