American Constitution: It's Origin and Development

by Alfred Hinsey Kelly, Winfred Harbison, Alfred H. Kelly

In this new edition of the standard text in the field of American constitutional history, Herman Belz has brought the most up-to-date scholarship to bear on discussions from the adoption of the Constitution through the retirement of Justice Brennan and the confirmation of David Scouter to the U.S. Supreme Court. The hallmarks of this authoritative text have been strengthened throughout: its clear exposition of judicial rulings and their significance, its even-handed discussion of larger trends in American constitutional history, and a broad approach that brings politics and social developments to bear on constitutional cases. The Seventh Edition also takes account of major constitutional developments of the 1980s: the constitutional implications of divided government-the situation in which rival parties respectively control the presidency and the Congress; the controversies over abortion, affirmative action, and issues of free speech; the general debate over original intent and constitutional change.

Genres: History, American History

560 pages, Paperback

First published September 17, 1990

Reviews

[Jeni Enjaian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is the first volume of the textbook for my American Constitutional History class. I sincerely wish that my professor had chosen another book. While the authors appear quite knowledgable about the topic that they cover (albeit a complicated and often convoluted one) they do not appear skillful in dispensing that information in easy to understand prose.

A single page (half a page actually...just the front or back) takes me over a minute to read, longer when I'm trying to read critically. (This is crucial to prepare for quizes written by a professor obsessed with details.) Even then I struggled to discern the main point of paragraphs and decisions in cases. Since this is a book on constitutional history, one would suppose that the decision of the Supreme Court on various cases would be clearly explained. More often than not a triple or quadruple reading is required just to have the slightest idea of what was being legislated.

The only reason that I am giving the book two stars rather than three is for two reasons. One, some of the passages were readable and informative. Two, the topic is very convoluted to begin with so explanation takes a considerable amount of skill.

[Timothy Mcpike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Concise and cogent and fascinating history of the American Constitution from the earliest settlers to the Reagan revolution.

[T5000 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hard to follow the author's train of thought.