Walks readers through the Constitutional text, discussing how various articles and amendments have guided legislators and judges, sparked ongoing debates, and continue to influence Americans' lives. Constitutional law : the framework for governance -- Framing the U.S. Constitution : big thinkers, big thoughts -- Debating the Constitution -- Introducing the Constitution! The preamble and the seven articles -- Amending versus interpreting the Constitution : taking time for change -- Scrutinizing sovereignty : who rules America? -- Federalism : forming one out of many -- Separation of powers : to each his own -- Doing business : the commerce clause -- Looking at the role of commander in chief -- Giving everyone a voice : the House of Representatives and Senate -- 'During good behaviour' : the judicial system -- You're fired! Investigating the impeachment process -- The First Amendment : freedom of religion, speech, and assembly -- The Second Amendment : bearing arms -- The Third and Fourth Amendments : protecting citizens from government forces -- Taking the Fifth, and a bit of the Fourteenth -- Dealing with justice and individual rights : the Sixth through Eighth Amendments -- The Ninth and Tenth Amendments : leaving things up to the people and states -- States' rights, elections, and slavery : the Eleventh through Thirteenth Amendments -- The Fourteenth Amendment : ensuring equal protection -- Starts, stops, and clarifications : amendments since 1870 -- Ten landmark constitutional cases -- Ten influential Supreme Court justices -- Two side of five constitutional conundrums -- Appendix : Constitution of the United States of America
