The U.S. Constitution - Annotated by Ray Raphael (Paperback)

About the Book

"Politicians come and go, but the Constitution stands as the supreme law of the land. Setting forth the workings of our democracy, it is the bedrock document from which we derive our policies on topics as diverse and galvanizing as immigration, gun ownership, voting rights, taxation, policing, civil liberties, and war. In this indispensable edition, acclaimed historian and Constitutional expert Ray Raphael guides us through the origins, impact, and current relevance of the original text and all twenty-seven amendments. Here is the key historical context for issues in the news today--from the Electoral College to Washington gridlock, from peaceful protests to executive power. Thoughtful and nuanced, lively and highly readable, this annotated Constitution is for all of us to read and refer to--the ultimate political fact-checking source for every American"--

Book Synopsis

Often cited, seldom read, always essential: here is the complete U.S. Constitution demystified and explained by an acclaimed historian. Thoughtful and nuanced, lively and highly readable, it is the ultimate political fact-checking source for every American.

"Raphael's annotations are written with such clarity. Indeed, the kind of clarity we need at this critical moment in our nation's history."--Carol Anderson, Winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award

Presidents come and go, but the Constitution remains the supreme law of the land. It is the bedrock document from which we derive our policies on topics as diverse and galvanizing as immigration, gun ownership, voting rights, taxation, policing, and war. It dictates the structure and workings of our government; it sets forth our rights as citizens.

But even the most well-informed reader can stumble on the Constitution's archaic language and historical context. In this indispensable edition, Ray Raphael gives us a modern--and nonpartisan--reading of the text, clause by clause and amendment by amendment, illuminating the origins of its content, the intentions of its framers, its evolution throughout the centuries, and its meaning today.

Here is where any concerned citizen can find answers to help them navigate the issues they see in the news.

Review Quotes

"Raphael's annotations are written with such clarity. Indeed, the kind of clarity we need at this critical moment in our nation's history."
--Carol Anderson, Winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award

About the Author

Ray Raphael's ten books on the Founding Era include A People's History of the American Revolution (2001), Founding Myths: Stories That Hide Our Patriotic Past (2004), Mr. President: How and Why the Founders Created a Chief Executive (2012), and Constitutional Myths (2013). Having taught at Humboldt State University and College of the Redwoods, he is currently developing teaching tools for the Constitutional Sources Project (ConSource) and serving as an associate editor for the Journal of the American Revolution. He lives in Northern California.