The Declaration of Independence and The Constitution of the United States (Bantam Classic) (Mass Market Paperback)

~ Pauline Maier (Introduction)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The Declaration of Independence was the promise of a representative government; the Constitution was the fulfillment of that promise.

On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress issued a unanimous declaration: the thirteen North American colonies would be the thirteen United States of America, free and independent of Great Britain. Drafted by Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration set forth the terms of a new form of government with the following words: "We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness."

Framed in 1787 and in effect since March 1789, the Constitution of the United States of America fulfilled the promise of the Declaration by establishing a republican form of government with separate executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The first ten amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, became part of the Constitution on December 15, 1791. Among the rights guaranteed by these amendments are freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, and the right to trial by jury. Written so that it could be adapted to endure for years to come, the Constitution has been amended only seventeen times since 1791 and has lasted longer than any other written form of government.

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The Declaration of Independence was the promise of a representative government; the Constitution was the fulfillment of that promise.

On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress issued a unanimous declaration: the thirteen North American colonies would be the thirteen United States of America, free and independent of Great Britain. Drafted by Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration set forth the terms of a new form of government with the following words: "We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness."

Framed in 1787 and in effect since March 1789, the Constitution of the United States of America fulfilled the promise of the Declaration by establishing a republican form of government with separate executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The first ten amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, became part of the Constitution on December 15, 1791. Among the rights guaranteed by these amendments are freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, and the right to trial by jury. Written so that it could be adapted to endure for years to come, the Constitution has been amended only seventeen times since 1791 and has lasted longer than any other written form of government.

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Bantam Classics (July 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0553214829
• ISBN-13: 978-0553214826
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #60,432 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Foundations of America in One Book, February 10, 2002

By	Luis Hernandez (New York, New York, USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Compact, thorough, and informative, the Bantam Classics edition of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States is a great book to have around. For students or anyone wanting to understand the factors that led to the writing of both of these important documents, this edition discusses the reasons that led Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and other important politicians in the newly created United States to draw up such charters.

Editor Pauline Maier does a good job of covering the background of events that led to the Declaration and Constitution. Being compact in size, I see this book as being helpful for most high school students or prospective candidates for American citizenship because it can be carried in a pocket, purse, or coat pocket, and can be pulled out whenever necessary. The book's price is also a great incentive to buy a copy, because it won't blow a hole in your budget.

Overall, a great book at a great price!

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Least We Can Do is Be Informed, December 3, 1999

By	Harold A Buhl, Jr. (Kentucky) - See all my reviews

Our Country is the greatest nation the world has ever seen. The tenets of this representative republic are beautifully and most eloquently presented for us, the people--individual and collective. Despite the venomous attacks on Congress and the philandering of the President, our Nation is founded in these principles which are a sacred trust to us and our children. To ensure the growth and prosperity of our Nation, the least we can do is be informed. The truths of these documents cannot be overlooked, by pollution of invented reality editorials, polls, and those who remain ignorant. Read the documents--as they were written, and sparingly heed the commentary. The only thing preventing a 5 star review is the excessive introduction and commentary. God Bless America!

16 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Constitution of the United States, 1791 (Summary), April 2, 2003

By A Customer

Every American should know the contents of the The U.S. Constitution and review it annually.

The Constitution defines, empowers, and limits the U.S. government. After the 13 colonies had issued the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, they needed to write the Constitution in order to define the Government of the United States of America. The Constitution was signed by 39 delegates at the Constitutional Convention on September 17, 1787. The oldest person to sign the Constitution was Benjamin Franklin (81). The youngest was Jonathan Dayton of New Jersey (26).

Some members of the Constitutional Convention refused to sign the final document because they were fearful of an all-powerful government and wanted a bill of rights added to protect the rights of the people. The states refused to ratify the Constitution until the Bill of Rights was added. Hence the Bill of Rights became the first 10 Amendments to the Constitution in 1789.

The original U.S. Constitution was 6 pages and contained 4,400 words. It is written in plain English to be understood by all Americans. It is the oldest and the shortest written constitution of any government in the world.

Constitution of the United States 1791 (Summary)

Preamble

The Preamble defines those roles and responsibilities that are unique to the Federal Government. Justice, common defense, general welfare and tranquility, and liberty.

Articles

The first 3 articles of the Constitution define the branches of Government:

Article 1 defines the Legislature, also called Congress, comprised of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Article 2 defines the powers and duties of the Executive Branch (President), and the rules for impeachment
Article 3 covers the Judicial Power embodied in the Supreme Court, including the definition of treason.
Article 4 covers States rights.
Article 5 describes how the Constitution can be amended.
Article 6 relates to Constitutional supremacy.
Article 7 describes how the Constitution will be approved by the states.

Bill of Rights (first ten amendments) 1791

1 - Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition
2 - Militia and the right to keep and bear arms
3 - Housing of soldiers
4 - Freedom from unreasonable search and seizure
5 - Due process
6 - Speedy trial
7 - Trial by jury
8 - Cruel and unusual punishment
9 - Rights
10 - Powers not defined
The following Amendments have been added to the Constitution:
11 - Judicial powers (1795)
12 - Election of president and vice-president (1804)
13 - Slavery abolished (1865)
14 - Limits upon states (1868)
15 - Right to vote not limited by race (1870)
16 - Income tax (1913)
17 - Election of senators (1913)
18 - Prohibition of alcohol (1919) [repealed by 21st Amendment (1933)]
19 - Right to vote given to women (1920)
20 - Terms of office of president, vice president, senators, and representatives (1933)
21 - Repeal of Prohibition (Amendment 18) (1933)
22 - Presidency limited to two terms (1951)
23 - Presidential vote in D.C. (1961)
24 - No poll tax (1964)
25 - Presidential disability and succession (1967)
26 - Voting age lowered to 18 (1971)
27 - Congressional pay (proposed in 1789, ratified in 1992)

Check out the U.S. Constitution. You will find it both interesting and informative.