From School Library Journal
Gr 7-12-Here is a well-written summary of a critical issue in American government: whether or not the U.S. Constitution is still adequate to cope with problems unforseen by its founders. Although Leinwand answers affirmatively, he considers a number of proposals for substantive change and is much less adulatory toward the Founding Fathers than other books on the subject. Using numerous examples, he explores the advantages and disadvantages of the federal system and how they have changed over time. The writing style fits the topic well; readers will clearly understand the historical context. However, while the author discusses several proposals for rewriting the Constitution, including expanding presidential power and a parliamentary system, he fails to give advocates of proportional representation their due. He settles for proposals to strengthen the parties, reform election procedures, modify the separation of powers, and improve efficiency. Edmund Lindop's Birth of the Constitution (Enslow, 1987) gives more historical detail, but mentions constitutional conventions only as a dangerous possibility. Doris and Harold Faber's We the People (Macmillan, 1987) features compellingly portrayed individuals but again lacks the insightful social analysis and similarly dismisses the possibility of a new constitution as unlikely. Leinwand covers the basics just as well, with deeper insight, so his book is recommended for most collections.-Jonathan Betz-Zall, Sno-Isle Regional Library System, Edmonds, WA
Copyright 1994 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
