books on the constitution

Books on The Constitution

A single document that has guided a nation for almost 250 years, the genius and forethought poured into the Constitution of the United States is cause for amazement and contemplation.

To that end we’ve assembled a list of the best books on the Constitution ranging from introductory pocket-books, to explorations of the minds behind it, to deep analysis of its text and interpretation.

A Citizen’s Introduction to the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution

Quite likely the greatest political words ever written in the history of the world, their true meaning continues to be watered down over time.

Matthew Spalding makes the case that in order to properly understand the call to liberty, equal rights, the rule of law and self government we must first rediscover the original works of the The Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution.

Once we understand their noble purpose, only then can we chart a path to defend those ideals for the good of all.

The Constitution is a profound yet accessible document and Spalding makes an excellent guide.

Heritage Pocket Guide to the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States

An excellent pocket guide to give a basic yet critical understanding of the most important aspects of The Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution.

Recently revised and expanded it contains a useful quotes section.

A must-read for all Americans.

Restoring the Lost Constitution: The Presumption of Liberty

An important work highlighting the growing gap between the Constitution taught in school and the one that is practically followed in today’s world.

Randy Barnett makes the case that since the document’s founding, and especially in the modern era, many of the founding principles on which the Unites States is based have been re-interpreted by the courts.

He details the many ways how the liberties infused in the Constitution have been slowly restricted and sets out a suggested new path of how this founding document should be interpreted from here.

Recently updated, this newest edition contains a new section highlighting seven critical Supreme Court cases and how they have all diminished the original words of the Founding Fathers.

The Lives of the Constitution: Ten Exceptional Minds that Shaped America’s Supreme Law

A mix of biography and history, this unique work takes you inside the minds of ten amazing individuals who helped shape the Constitution of the United States.

From these individuals we learn how America’s formational document deals with issues as relevant then as they are today, from voting rights, racial equality, sexual equality, the freedom of speech, economic liberty, and the role that government should play in our lives..

Joseph Tartakovsky presents an impressive historical scope, ranging from the well-known and expected players like Alexander Hamilton and Woodrow Wilson to those like James Wilson and Ida B. Wells-Barnett, with whom likely aren’t familiar.

This book’s scope is impressive, ranging from how the Constitution was created to how it was defended and interpreted through the next 250 years.

Constitutional Conservatism: Liberty, Self-Government, and Political Moderation

In a country divided there are things we can still agree upon. And for author Peter Berkowitz, the path to a stronger union and a defeat of the socialist policies of the Left is to find common ground between conservatives and libertarians .

And it is in the Constitution that he believes this common ground exists.

Drawing on Edmund Burke, The Federalist and others, Berkowitz paves a path for unity on the Right.

American Treasures: The Secret Efforts to Save the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Gettysburg Address

More spy novel than historical treatise, this unique work by Stephen Puled details a perilous moment in US history.

American Treasures documents how, on December 26, 1941, Secret Service Agent Harry E. Neal departed Washington DC on a train. In his possession were (among other critical documents) the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Gettysburg Address.

Neal’s mission, in an increasingly dangerous war-torn world, was to hide these documents and preserve them, should the worst ever happen.