We, the People: Formative Documents of America's Democracy [Hardcover]

Adolph Caso (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1995

In this anthology, the author asks two questions: 1) What is the meaning and what has been the impact of "We the people" in view of the fact that women and African Americans have only recently acquired voting rights? 2) What are the documents that make America's type of democracy possible? The anthology contains the actual documents themselves, and when, how, and why they came into existence. It begins with the Mayflower Compact and ends with the Promissory Note - a document least known for its title but universally known for its content. Finally, the anthology serves as a book of references of first source material to be interpreted by each reader.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: Branden Books (April 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0828320063
• ISBN-13: 978-0828320061
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.3 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,368,598 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for every student!, January 9, 2000

By 

Michael J Woznicki "Michael J Woznicki" (Holland, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: We, the People: Formative Documents of America's Democracy (Hardcover)

What is our Constitution based on? What makes the Bill of Rights one of the most unique documents in World History? What's so special about the Emancipation Proclamation? This book gives the answers and so much more.

More than a book about historical documents, Caso explains the importance of each. Caso gives you the explanation as to what each document stands for and its impact on our history.

The entire text of each document is enclosed, which I found quite refreshing, as most books of this genre tend to scrutinize only certain parts. The author has certainly done his homework with this book.

A true must read for all high school and college students, as well as all politicians. This book will take out the complexity of the documents and simplify the meaning. An excellent read and a job well done!

5.0 out of 5 stars "We the People Considers the Patriots' Act", July 21, 2006

By 

Glenda A Bixler "Glenda" (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: We, the People: Formative Documents of America's Democracy (Hardcover)

"We the People Considers the Patriots' Act" might very well be the title of an important essay that should be written by an individual much more knowledgeable than I. Instead it is my way of introducing you to two books that have made significant impressions on me during the past month.

We the People by Adolph Caso has been a troubling, perplexing text for me to assimilate. Although I am not an avid "student" of America's history, I was nevertheless appalled to learn for the first time in my life about Cesare Beccaria and his role in our history. Indeed, I had never heard of his essay, "Crimes and Punishments."

We are all aware that there are laws under which we, the people, are judged and punished daily. But have we any significant background and/or knowledge of those laws? Have we any significant understanding of the philosophies that guided America in its formative years. I, for one, admit I did not.

Yet, the truths in Beccaria's book have been incorporated in the constitutions of practically all European countries, as well as America. Indeed, in America where there is a great need to co-exist amongst many immigrants, it required much more. "The extent to which Beccaria's observation served to cause the Founding Fathers to opt for "We, the People" over "We, the States" may never be completely known. But that the Constitution was supposed to be the supreme law of the land has certainly come to fruition. It is this kind of law, a law that aims at the single individual rather than at units, that Beccaria was principally concerned with, it being the means to regulate the activities of men and to assure them their happiness on earth." (P.288).

How can we ever attain a government of the people when we, as individuals are not taught our responsibilities? If we are not taught to take responsibility for our actions, if we are not provided an opportunity to learn what response will occur when we act irresponsibly, how are we to survive? "Among the richest to the poorest ...from the lowliest positions to the highest offices in the land--including in the courts and with judges, ministers, politicians, lawyers and every other profession--responsibility needs to be taught, emphasized and enforced, without which we end up with mayhem and ultimately destroying ourselves." (Dick Innes, Founder/ Director of ACTS International and ACTS Communications, Daily Encounter, July 13, 2006.)

While reading and studying, yes, studying, the text of We the People, I picked up a novel by one of my favorite storytellers, Stephen T. Cannell. Who of us has not seen a picture of him on TV, at the end of one of his major dramas, excitingly tearing out a sheet of paper from his typewriter and having it fly away until his next program of the A-Team (my favorite) The Rockford Files, The Commish, et. al. Thus, in my usual anticipation of a good suspense story, I opened Cold Hit.

As with many of today's major authors, Cannell has taken an issue and created a drama that helps us learn about and see the possible and probable ramifications of what is happening in today's America. In Cold Hit, Cannell calls our attention to the Patriots' Act. Was it that I had already been studying We the People, or was it the drama and reality of Cold Hit? However absorbing the storyline of Cold Hit, it brought fiction into reality for me as I watched Cannell put the Patriots' Act into action.

What if, under the USA Patriot Act, federal bureaucrats could take murder cases away from local cops--then bury those cases so they're never investigated again?

What if government agents could bug your home, your car, and your place of business--your entire life--with nothing more than spoken permission from a secret panel of judges?

What if the Department of Homeland Security could pull police officers off the street and hold them in cells indefinitely as material witnesses--because they're working on "sensitive" investigations?

They Can. . .(From the book cover)

I thank Cannell for writing Cold Hit to explain through fictional narrative the ramifications of the Patriots' Act! If you also were unaware of the extent of powers granted under the Patriots' Act, you will come to realize and question whether we are still a government of The People...

Adoph Caso has brought together the major significant documents from America's past. His inclusion of "Essays on Crime and Punishments" was entirely new to me. Yes, I can recall learning about our government, how bills and laws are formulated. I had learned and memorized "We the People of the United States, in order to formulate a more..." as is normally required in our schools. But I had never learned one word about "Crimes and Punishments." Even as I read, I was asking others, "do you recall ever learning about...?"

Why have we been taught basic guidelines, what you might call, our Policies? But never really trained in our procedures--the basics about our laws, crimes and punishments? How can an Act, such as the Patriots' Act be implemented without "We the People" fully understanding what that could mean to each of us?

Perhaps instead of two book reviews, I have actually written a short essay...but it is one that is based upon what I have learned by reading these two books. This is insufficient coverage of the books' content, perhaps, but is it not a goal of every writer to have a reader absorb and take something away from each book? That I have done! If you are concerned about our nation and what is happening today, take first a look at the past with We the People by Adolph Caso, to gain a better understanding of the philosophy behind our crimes and punishments. Then, read novels by individuals such as Stephen J. Cannell with Cold Hit, who research and tell you about events and actions that could very well affect the rest of your life!

Both of these books, in my opinion, should be on your permanent/keep bookshelf as Must Reads!

"The Worth of a book is to be measured by what you can carry away from it." --James Bryce