how to read the constitution like a lawyer book

What do you like most about the book The Constitution?

The book is well written and easy to understand. The author covers items from Washington to Trump. She also reveals how dictators take over when the voters and legislators fail to act. This is a good review and provides some insight on how to understand what the Constitution does and does not say.

What is the author's constitutional analysis all about?

After the unnecessarily long Introduction the meat of the author's effort begins. The author has divided her constitutional analysis into three parts, governmental structure, constitutional rights, and why should we care. The first part is a fairly basic discussion of the structure of government and might seem rather insulting in its simplicity.

Can We have a plain-reading obvious interpretation of the Constitution?

But other than that, rarely, rarely can we have a plain-reading, obvious interpretation of the Constitution. ... And I get this with my students a lot. They want answers.

Do I need to read to be a lawyer?

As a law student (and future legal professional), try as you might, you won’t be able to avoid all that reading. As such, many people will tell you that if you don’t like reading, you’re not going to enjoy being a lawyer. Although I see what might be meant by this comment, I have to disagree.

What is the best book to read about the Constitution?

The best books on The US ConstitutionCreation of the American Republic, 1776-1787. by Gordon S. ... Novus Ordo Seclorum. by Forrest McDonald.Plain, Honest Men: The Making of the American Constitution. by Richard Beeman.A Revolution in Favor of Government. ... Ratification: The People Debate the Constitution, 1787-1788.

How do we recite the Constitution?

0:100:52Read Along with the Constitution's Preamble - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe general welfare and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity. Do ordainMoreThe general welfare and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity. Do ordain and establish this constitution for the United States of America.

How long does it take to read the Constitution?

The Constitution has 4,543 words, including the signatures but not the certificate on the interlineations; and takes about half an hour to read. The Declaration of Independence has 1,458 words, with the signatures, but is slower reading, as it takes about ten minutes.

Where is the real book of constitution?

the Library of the Parliament of IndiaIt is signed by the framers of the constitution, most of whom are regarded as the founders of the Republic of India. The original of the book is kept in a special helium-filled case in the Library of the Parliament of India.

What are the words of the Constitution?

"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of ...

Can you read me the Constitution?

44:1949:04The Constitution for the United States of America Read Aloud - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipState they shall be in addition to those appointed by the states. But they shall be considered forMoreState they shall be in addition to those appointed by the states. But they shall be considered for the purposes of the election of president and vice president to be electors appointed by a state.

What are the three first words of the Constitution?

Its first three words – “We The People” – affirm that the government of the United States exists to serve its citizens. The supremacy of the people through their elected representatives is recognized in Article I, which creates a Congress consisting of a Senate and a House of Representatives.

Who actually wrote the Constitution?

James MadisonJames Madison is known as the Father of the Constitution because of his pivotal role in the document's drafting as well as its ratification.

What word does not appear in the US Constitution?

The word democracy does not appear at all in the Constitution. DID YOU KNOW? One of the most glaring mistakes in the Constitution is the misspelling of “Pensylvania” above the signers' names. The Constitution was “penned” by Jacob Shallus, a Pennsylvania General Assembly clerk, for a fee of $30 ($325.29 today).

Who has the world's longest Constitution?

The Constitution of IndiaThe Constitution of India is the longest written constitution of any country in the world, with 146,385 words in its English-language version, while the Constitution of Monaco is the shortest written constitution with 3,814 words.

Which country had the first written Constitution?

First country to make the constitution: USA In addition, the constitution has a Bill of Rights and several amendments. The constitution was adopted by a convention of the States on September 17, 1787, and was subsequently ratified by several States. Ratification was completed on June 21, 1788.

How many original copies of the Constitution are there?

13 original copiesThe United States Constitution was first printed by Dunlap & Claypoole in 1787, during the Constitutional Convention. From the original printing, 13 original copies are known to exist.

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Editorial Reviews

Kim Wehle is a tenured Professor of Law at the University of Baltimore School of Law, where she teaches and writes on the constitutional separation of powers, administrative law, and civil procedure. She was formerly an Assistant United States Attorney and an Associate Counsel in the Whitewater Investigation.

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Which branch of government makes laws?

The legislative branch makes laws; the executive branch enforces those laws. That's what the Constitution says. That being said, there's a lot of squishiness in the Constitution. And this is where we have to be quite vigilant to make sure that each branch doesn't step over too far over the lines of what it's supposed to do, and that that branch, ...

Why did Wehle write the book?

Wehle says that all the debates around the constitutionality of various Trump administration policies inspired her to write the book. She says she originally had a contract to write a book for an academic audience, but found herself writing for laypeople.

Why does Congress have to be vigilant?

So Congress has to itself be vigilant to ensure that it retains its authority through the public to make sure that we don't have a king in this country. 'Cause fundamentally, our Founding Fathers and mothers didn't fight and die in the revolution to make sure there was more power in the presidency.

Does the Constitution say anything about separation of powers?

I think most people are surprised: The Constitution doesn't say anything about separation of powers, or checks and balances, or even the separation of church and state. But the way it's broken down is, there are three vesting clauses of the Constitution.

What are the two themes of the book "The Constitution"?

Two important themes found throughout the book are worth repeating: 1) any constitutional violations set precedent for future violations , and 2) the “strict reading” of the Constitution is a myth.

What does Wehle cover in the Constitution?

I think Wehle must use this book for her classes. Wehle goes through the Constitution explaining the meaning or at least what the Supreme Court has ruled. The author also covers laws, etc., that are based on common values, morals and so forth.

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Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.

What percentage of people could not name any rights protected under the First Amendment?

1. 37 percent of those surveyed could not name ANY rights protected under the First Amendment.

Which amendment states that the right to keep and bear arms applies only within the context of the militia?

(The Second Amendment , if written like the First Amendment, could have just stated that Congress shall pass no laws infringing on the right of the people to keep and bear arms, without mentioning the Militia, if that was the true intention.)

Is constitutional law complicated?

This is all to say that constitutional law is complicated, a balancing act between original intentions and modifications to reflect new realities, but it doesn’t help to hide behind an originalist position that is usually just justification to pursue a conservative ideology without having to spell out the rationale.

Is protecting the Constitution a political issue?

Protecting the Constitution is therefore not exclusive to one political party or ideology, and should be a concern of everyone. And while it is often not immediately clear if a particular action or piece of legislation in fact violates the Constitution, certain principles should be perpetually upheld. Remember that the Constitution was created in opposition to the monarchical rule of King George III, so any increase in the power of the president, especially in the creation of new laws, should draw an immediate red flag.

1. A Matter of Interpretation: Federal Courts and the Law by Antonin Scalia

Based on its originality and specific subject matter, past chief justice Antonin Scalia’s A Matter of Interpretation: Federal Courts and the Law is a valuable read. Here, Scalia delves into the core concept of interpretation and how the courts do and perhaps should approach this through the eyes of the US Constitution.

2. Democracy and Distrust by John Hart Ely

What exactly is the role of the United States Supreme Court, and what should that role entail going forward? These are the types of questions posed by this academically important work by author and legal scholar John Hart Ely.

3. The Federalist Papers by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay

Arguably among some of the most important documents to today’s understanding of the US Constitution and its writers’ intentions can be found within the pages of what is now known collectively as The Federalist Papers.

4. The Nine: Inside the Secret World of the Supreme Court by Jeffrey Toobin

Certainly, the framework of constitutional law is laid naked for all to see in the US Constitution and the legal results it ultimately produces, but what really goes on behind the ultra-secretive, closed-door proceedings of America’s top court? Does anyone really know? In this great book on constitutional law, expert and author Jeffrey Toobin takes the reader into the closed chambers to see how this area truly works..

5. The Anti-Federalist Papers and the Constitutional Convention Debates compiled by Ralph Louis Ketcham

Finally, yet another great angle of legal debate and case approach to this day is based in the past’s various voices of constitutional dissent, surprisingly, as opposed to support. Not everyone agreed with the constitution and what it meant for the future.

What is the first step to effective reading?

WHAT? Understanding the text you’re reading is an essential first step to effective reading. If you’re reading legislation, you know every word matters, but if you’re reading a transcript or a journal article you might be able to approach reading the document differently.

What is a preview in a text?

Previewing is used to get a general idea of what the text is about without engaging closely with the body of the text. Use the table of contents, headings, the abstract and chapter summaries to put together what the text is about and what parts might be relevant to your purposes.

Is reading a case like a novel an efficient way to study?

If you’re anything like me, you enjoy being captivated and drawn into the world of a good book and although some cases can be just as captivating (my inner law nerd showing himself) reading cases like novels is not an efficient way to study or work.