The Words We Live By: Your Annotated Guide to the Constitution (Stonesong Press Books)
by Linda R. Monk
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Description
The United States Constitution is the basis for our most fundamental rights as Americans and has been a key element in nearly every major legal and political debate ever argued. But how many of us actually understand the language used by our Founding Fathers? Now Linda R. Monk, an award-winning author and journalist, takes us through the Constitution, line by line, to help us comprehend this amazing document and to see the variety of ways in which it has been interpreted. From the Preamble show more -- which she analyzes with inspiration and opposing opinions from Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Charlton Heston, and James Madison -- through each and every amendment, Monk enlightens us by offering insight, legal expertise, surprising facts and little-known information, alternate interpretations, and historical anecdotes to breathe meaning into this provocative and hallowed document. show lessTags
Recommendations
Member Reviews
Monk takes the Constitution of the United States, including its amendments, and dissects it line by line, explaining the historical significance and the modern significance of the wording. She does so in layman’s terms, with amusing quotes in the margin, case studies in shaded boxes, and photos and illustrations. It is easy to read, and easily accessible.
Beyond the appealing format of this book, however, is the content. Reading the constitution with Monk’s gloss helped me to comprehend just why the U.S. Constitution has withstood more than 200 years and a Civil War: the constitution is a document that adapts to the changing times, both through the process of amendment and through the significant process of judicial interpretation of show more legislation.
Certainly, The Words We Live By is not comprehensive. But what it lacks in expanse it makes up in readability and interest, at least to me. I seriously enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone interested in understanding U.S. rights and government.
More detailed review on my blog show less
Beyond the appealing format of this book, however, is the content. Reading the constitution with Monk’s gloss helped me to comprehend just why the U.S. Constitution has withstood more than 200 years and a Civil War: the constitution is a document that adapts to the changing times, both through the process of amendment and through the significant process of judicial interpretation of show more legislation.
Certainly, The Words We Live By is not comprehensive. But what it lacks in expanse it makes up in readability and interest, at least to me. I seriously enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone interested in understanding U.S. rights and government.
More detailed review on my blog show less
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Mensa for Kids Excellence in Reading Award Program (Nonfiction)
54 works; 4 members
Author Information
4+ Works 730 Members
Linda R. Monk received the American Bar Association's Silver Gavel Award twice -- for her book The Bill of Rights: A User's Guide, and for her work on the documentary Profiles of Freedom: A Living Bill of Rights. A graduate of Harvard Law School, she is a frequent contributor to newspapers nationwide
Common Knowledge
- Dedication
- For my beloved husband, Stephen, with whom all things are possible.
- First words
- The Constitution that the framers signed in 1787 was the beginning of an experiment in liberty.
- Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)To decide for ourselves what freedom is. That is the greatest gift that our Constitution gives us - a way to decide, along with our fellow citizens, what words we will live by.
- Original language
- English US
Classifications
- Genres
- Politics and Government, Nonfiction, History, General Nonfiction
- DDC/MDS
- 342.7302 — Society, government, & culture Law U.S. Constitution - Bill of Rights, Amendments North America Constitutional law--United States Basic instruments of Government, the US constitution
- LCC
- KF4550 .Z9 .M66 — Law Law of the United States Law of the United States (Federal) Constitutional law General works
- BISAC
Statistics
- Members
- 604
- Popularity
- 48,498
- Reviews
- 1
- Rating
- (3.67)
- Languages
- English
- Media
- Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 10
- ASINs
- 4
