U.S. CONSTITUTION FOR DUMMIES

An in-depth look at the defining document of America
Want to make sense of the U.S. Constitution? This plain-English guide walks you through this revered document, explaining how the articles and amendments came to be and how they have guided legislators, judges, and presidents and sparked ongoing debates. You'll understand all the big issues — from separation of church and state to impeachment to civil rights — that continue to affect Americans' daily lives.
Get started with Constitution basics — explore the main concepts and their origins, the different approaches to interpretation, and how the document has changed over the past 200+ years
Know who has the power — see how the public, the President, Congress, and the Supreme Court share in the ruling of America
Balance the branches of government — discover what it means to be Commander in Chief, the functions of the House and Senate, and how Supreme Court justices are appointed
Break down the Bill of Rights — from freedom of religion to the prohibition of "cruel and unusual punishments," understand what the first ten amendments mean
Make sense of the modifications — see how amendments have reformed presidential elections, abolished slavery, given voting rights to women, and more
Open the book and find:
The text of the Constitution and its ammendments
Discussion of controversial issues including the death penalty, abortion, and gay marriage
Why the word "democracy" doesn't appear in the Constitution
What the Electoral College is and how it elects a President
Details on recent Supreme Court decisions
The Founding Fathers' intentions for balancing power in Washington

Dr. Michael Arnheim is a practicing British barrister, mediator, and academic, as well as the author of a text on British constitutional law. He consults with various U.S. firms on constitutional issues.

Foreword.
Introduction.
Part I: Exploring Constitutional Basics.
Chapter 1: Constitutional Law: The Framework for Governance.
Chapter 2: Framing the U.S. Constitution: Big Thinkers, Big Thoughts.
Chapter 3: Debating the Constitution.
Chapter 4: Introducing . . . the Constitution! The Preamble and the Seven Articles.
Chapter 5: Amending versus Interpreting the Constitution: Taking Time for Change.
Part II: We the People: How the United States Is Governed.
Chapter 6: Scrutinizing Sovereignty: Who Rules America?
Chapter 7: Federalism: Forming One out of Many.
Chapter 8: Separation of Powers: To Each His Own.
Chapter 9: Doing Business: The Commerce Clause.
Part III: Balancing the Branches of Government: The President, Congress, and the Judiciary.
Chapter 10: Looking at the Role of Commander in Chief.
Chapter 11: Giving Everyone a Voice: The House of Representatives and Senate.
Chapter 12: “During Good Behaviour”: The Judicial System.
Chapter 13: You’re Fired! Investigating the Impeachment Process.
Part IV: The Bill of Rights: Specifying Rights through Amendments.
Chapter 14: The First Amendment: Freedom of Religion, Speech, and Assembly.
Chapter 15: The Second Amendment: Bearing Arms.
Chapter 16: The Third and Fourth Amendments: Protecting Citizens from Government Forces.
Chapter 17: Taking the Fifth — and a Bit of the Fourteenth.
Chapter 18: Dealing with Justice and Individual Rights: The Sixth through Eighth Amendments.
Chapter 19: The Ninth and Tenth Amendments: Leaving Things Up to the People and States.
Part V: Addressing Liberties and Modifying the Government: More Amendments.
Chapter 20: States’ Rights, Elections, and Slavery: The Eleventh through Thirteenth Amendments.
Chapter 21: The Fourteenth Amendment: Ensuring Equal Protection.
Chapter 22: Starts, Stops, and Clarifi cations: Amendments since 1870.
Part VI: The Part of Tens.
Chapter 23: Ten Landmark Constitutional Cases.
Chapter 24: Ten Infl uential Supreme Court Justices.
Chapter 25: Two Sides of Five Constitutional Conundrums.
Appendix: Constitution of the United States of America.
Index.