The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States of America [Paperback]

Roger Pilon (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 15, 2000

A pocket edition of America's founding documents.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Take a minute to consider a gift that hasn’t gone out of style in more than 200 years." -- Wall Street Journal

"Who needs play-stations when you can give the kids Thomas Jefferson?" -- Independent (U.K.)

From the Publisher

To encourage people everywhere to better understand and appreciate the principles of government that are set forth in America’s founding documents, the Cato Institute published this pocket edition of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States of America. With more than three million copies in print, this edition’s influence has been observed far and wide. It has been held up by senators at press conferences and by representatives during floor debate; found in federal judicial chambers across the country; appeared at conferences on constitutionalism in Russia, Iraq, and elsewhere; and sold at U.S. Park Service stores, Restoration Hardware, and book stores around the country. It’s a perfect gift for friends and family. Order your copies today!

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Product Details

• Paperback: 58 pages
• Publisher: Cato Institute (August 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1882577981
• ISBN-13: 978-1882577989
• Product Dimensions: 5 x 3.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (88 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #14,968 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #2 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > History > Historical Study > Reference
  • #4 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > History > World > General
  • #4 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > History > Americas > United States > General

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

77 of 79 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect Pocket or Briefcase Reference, March 22, 2006

By 

Jeffrey B. Klaus (Denver, CO USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States of America (Paperback)

I have always been looking for a reference copy of the U.S. Consitution to carry with me. For me this volume is that reference. This volume is compact, well laid out, and contains no unwanted extraneous materials.

150 of 168 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars These founding documents are like the Bible . . ., February 1, 2002

By 

Kendal B. Hunter (Provo, UT United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States of America (Paperback)

These founding documents are like the Bible . . .often quoted, seldom read. In fact it is worse, since they are seldom read, when people quote-unquote "quote" them, they are actually spouting nonsense, as opposed to the political wisdom of the ages.

It is... imperative, therefore, that we should become familiar with these two philosophical pillars of political freedom. This book puts these heavenly banners and glorious standards into your hand-the truth is at your fingertips--to check up on the politicians. If they do anything crooked, keep in mind that it is our fault for not being aware and active in stopping them.

Don't be intimidated by the language. There is an old saying that Plato is easier to understand the Platonists. The original documents are easier to understand than the snake twisting that many lawyers and fanatics put to the documents. You asre smart enough to decide for yourself.

78 of 95 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Take a Few Hours and Read This, December 16, 2002

By 

Greg Feirman (Sacramento, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States of America (Paperback)

This is the American vision of what government should be. Many people think that America is a democracy but it is actually a constitutional democracy. The Constitution of the United States sets limits to the powers of government in Article 1, Section 8 (pgs 23-5). Outside of these enumerated powers the government has no authority to do anything else.

It really is a beautiful system of government. All law-making powers are vested in the Senate and House of Representatives. However, a president can check their power by vetoing any laws they pass, which they can then override by a 2/3 majority in both houses. The president's function is to "preserve, protect and defend the Constitution" and to the the Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States. The Supreme Court and other courts oversee the laws passed by the legislature and, I suppose, the actions of the president to make sure that they fall within the bounds set by the Constitution. Congress has the ability to add to the Constitution by passing amendments. And the Bill of Rights lays out a few rights of the people and states that are absolutely not to be infringed upon, though the enumerated powers already limits the power granted to the federal government.

Roger Pilon's brief Preface is about as much bang for the word as one could ask for. Check it out!