American Constitutional History - by Jack Fruchtman (Paperback)

About the Book

Presents a concise introduction to the American constitutional developments that have taken place since 1781, treating trends from history, law, and political science. Focusing primarily on constitutional changes related to economic developments, individual rights, and executive power, chapters cover both formal revisions made through constitutional amendments, and informal changes resulting from Supreme Court decisions, executive actions by U.S. presidents, and laws implemented by Congress.

Book Synopsis

American Constitutional History presents a concise introduction to the constitutional developments that have taken place over the past 225 years, treating trends from history, law, and political science.

• Presents readers with a brief and accessible introduction to more than two centuries of U.S. constitutional history
• Explores constitutional history chronologically, breaking U.S. history into five distinct periods
• Reveals the full sweep of constitutional changes through a focus on issues relating to economic developments, civil rights and civil liberties, and executive power
• Reflects the evolution of constitutional changes all the way up to the conclusion of the June 2015 Supreme Court term

From the Back Cover

How is it that the U.S. Constitution has managed to endure and adapt through more than two centuries of sweeping changes in American history? American Constitutional History presents a concise introduction to the numerous constitutional developments that have taken place over the past 225 years. Focusing primarily on constitutional changes related to economic developments, individual rights, and executive power, chapters cover both formal revisions made through constitutional amendments, and informal--yet equally critical--changes resulting from Supreme Court decisions, executive actions by U.S. Presidents, and laws implemented by Congress. Readers will gain a thorough grasp of America's most treasured document as it has evolved through five distinct stages of U.S. history--the New Republic, the Slave Republic, the Free-Market Republic, the Social Welfare Republic, and the Contemporary Republic. The text is enhanced by brief chapter overviews of historic timeframes along with discussions of additional constitutional amendments. Reflecting the most up-to-date Supreme Court decisions at the close of the June 2015 term, American Constitutional History offers illuminating insights into the origins and evolution of the longest lasting written constitution in world history.

Review Quotes

"First, the book is in a format that is readable. Second, the topics the book covers are arranged in such a manner that the reader gains insights into the historical developments that impacted the Constitution's evolution. And third, many students majoring in American politics focus on the legislative and executive branches, ignoring in large measure the critical role the judiciary had and has in American politics. This book fills that void and should be read by all students interested in a deeper understanding of American politics."
--M. DeRosa, Florida Atlantic University in CHOICE, March 2017

About the Author

Jack Fruchtman is Professor of Political Science and Director of the Program in Law and American Civilization at Towson University, Maryland. His most recent books include The Political Philosophy of Thomas Paine (2009) and The Supreme Court: Rulings on American Government and Society (2nd Edition, 2014).