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The Constitution

By: Michael Stokes Paulsen, Luke Paulsen
Narrated by: Walter Dixon
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Publisher's summary

From war powers to health care, freedom of speech to gun ownership, religious liberty to abortion, practically every aspect of American life is shaped by the Constitution. This vital document, along with its history of political and judicial interpretation, governs our individual lives and the life of our nation. Yet most of us know surprisingly little about the Constitution itself, and are woefully unprepared to think for ourselves about recent developments in its long and storied history.

The Constitution: An Introduction is the definitive modern primer on the US Constitution. Michael Stokes Paulsen, one of the nation's most provocative and accomplished scholars of the Constitution, and his son Luke Paulsen, a gifted young writer and lay scholar, have combined to write a lively introduction to the supreme law of the United States, covering the Constitution's history and meaning in clear, accessible terms.

Beginning with the Constitution's birth in 1787, Paulsen and Paulsen offer a grand tour of its provisions, principles, and interpretation, introducing listeners to the characters and controversies that have shaped the Constitution in the 200-plus years since its creation. Along the way, the authors provide correctives to the shallow myths and partial truths that pervade so much popular treatment of the Constitution, from school textbooks to media accounts of today's controversies, and offer powerful insights into the Constitution's true meaning.

A lucid and engaging guide, The Constitution: An Introduction provides listeners with the tools to think critically and independently about constitutional issues - a skill that is ever more essential to the continued flourishing of American democracy.

©2015 Michael Stokes Paulsen and Luke Paulsen (P)2015 Gildan Media LLC
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History
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What listeners say about The Constitution

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An awesome review of The Constitution

I felt this was a very educational experience to learn so many of the cases that have influenced the interpretation of the Constitution. I was saddened to hear how often the Supreme Court rule against the rights of individuals due to the Prejudices​ of society.

I was also very happy to hear when they would rule favorably towards the correct rights of u.s. citizens and correct some of the past mistakes.

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Excellent

Excellent book. So much information I wish it were longer. Perfect for someone starting out learning about the constitution.

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Excellent!!!

Have been listening during the final days of 2016 election. WOW! Will order book to mark/highlight while listening again. Should be mandatory book for high school government classes.

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Well Balanced and Detailed

This audiobook was a well-informed and detailed writing on the history and interpretations of the U.S. Constitution. It’s a book I will definitely listen to again.

The reading and quality of the audio was great and easy to clearly understand.

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History of the Constitution and its Interpretation

This audiobook follows a mostly chronological path from the Declaration of Independence to the Obama Administration. Focusing on many of the major supreme court decisions and how they were applied and interpreted based on the Constitution.

Overall this audiobook provides an excellent overview of the Constitution that is entertaining and interesting. The only reason I gave it less than 5 stars is due to the authors bias interpretation, although acknowledged, over Roe v. Wade. However, this did not subtract from the overall book.

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The Constitution-A must reading for All Americans

What did you love best about The Constitution?

I have many audible books and out of the hundred or so this is the most important book that I have in my library. This authors have presented a overview and evolution of the Constittion or the rule of law in American. Clearly, the Main stream media, Educational System, Far Left Supreme Justices, corrupt politicians in both parties, and the greed of the American Chamber of Commence are constantly undermining the freedoms of We THE PEOPLE have in the Constitution. A must read for all Americans who value INDIVIDUAL FREEDOMS!

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

Walter Dixon has a fantastic and compelling voice and raises the narrative to another level.

Which character – as performed by Walter Dixon – was your favorite?

The Constitution is the main character in this book.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

You will receive a great overview and evolution of the Constitution in a pleasant, intelligent and entertaining manner.

Any additional comments?

A must read for all Americans who value individual freedoms of We The People. This book will be ridiculed by the Main Stream Medica, Radical Left Democrats, Corrupt Politicians in the Democrat and Republican Party, Progressive Supreme Court Justices including John Roberts, Progressive Educators, and corrupt American Chamber of Commerce.

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Pretty good overview

Good overview of the early history, but so much has happened since this was published, which makes certain later parts moot. I thought it was mostly objective, except for the very obvious pro life bias.

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For any US citizen a MUST read, recomnded for als

This book should really be required reading for all school age students within the US. Without having a grounded and deep understanding of our US Constitution it leaves too much to be misunderstood and blurry in terms of where we came from and where we are going. This book explains so much and give true enlightenment to our special history

Michael and Luke have created an Excellent book on the Constitution which starts from the beginning and explains every foot step in the creating and evolution of the US Constitution and all of it's most important influence, decisions, and outcomes. Without the knowledge shared in this book it's hard to even know what it means to be a US citizen.

I can't recommend this book highly enough and wish that everyone in the US and outside the US would read and enjoy the unique story of not only the US Constitution but a unique origin story for the US and why it is so special in terms of creation and potential.

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1 person found this helpful

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Excellent!

I listened to this book in preparation for voting this fall. I loved the way the authors went through the constitution connecting it with historical context. It was an excellent introduction to the constitution. I recommend this book to anyone who feels like their memory of constitutional law has gotten fuzzy since high school. The explanation and contrasting views presented on each constitutional topic were easy to understand.

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    5 out of 5 stars

Great book

I was looking for a book that would give me some insight into the text of the constitution and the meanings of amendments. This book did that and also gave many situations where those texts were interpreted differently over the years. I enjoyed it overall and have much more information. The only reason I'm rating it 4 stars is because I would have liked less opinion from the authors. Though I agreed with some of the opinions, I still would rather have had none and just factual information.
Great book!

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3 people found this helpful