The Words We Live By: Your Annotated Guide to the Constitution (Stonesong Press Books)

This is a book that every American citizen should own. Monk literally goes line by line through the Constitution explaining the origin, history, and changing interpretation of our governing document. I never felt as though the author took sides as she instead outlined the main tenets of the differing viewpoints when it came to hot button issues such as gun control, immigration, etc. My only advice would be to make sure you are getting the newest edition possible as it will include discussions of the most recent court cases and issues facing our nation today.

An outstanding review of our Constitution! Very even-handed with lots of historical references and Supreme Court citations of cases about how the Constitution is interpreted and applied. Lot's of interesting quotes from famous historical figures (some very recent) on both sides of the political spectrum. Lot's of really good historical context as well. This is well worth reading and re-reading from time to time. This would make a fine textbook for high school level American History/Constitution or even college level Constitutional Law.

Linda Monk's book on the American Constitution, `The Words We Live By', is a wonderfully accessible and interesting introduction to the foundational document of the American polity. She starts in her introductory material by presenting the Constitution not as a dry and dusty piece of parchment to be revered but essentially ignored, but rather as an engagement of peoples in open conversation, something that can and should have an impact on the daily life and work of all Americans. Drawing inspiration from Judge Learned Hand, she states, `For the Constitution to have meaning, it must be not only the words we recite, but also the words we live by.' Monk recognises the importance of the Constitution, and its unique place in history, but does not give it false priority by forgetting its historic underpinnings. The founders who gathered in convention in 1787 brought their backgrounds and training with them, as well as a sense of self-government and an awareness of what might work and not work in the newly formed nation, gained from 150 years of essentially self-rule as colonies. The framers of the Constitution were not under the illusion that they were creating a perfect document, as Monk states, quoting Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes - `it is an experiment, as all life is an experiment.' The preamble of the Constitution, perhaps the best know part, strives to form `a more perfect union', not a perfect one. Monk draws information from the Federalist papers, other documents contemporary with the Constitution, and artwork and illustrations to help the text come alive. For each section, be they preamble, article, or amendment, Monk first sets forth the text, and then provides a passage-by-passage commentary. Often this refers to court cases, government structures and procedures, and significant events that helped to shape the Constitution, even as it has worked to shape American society. There are side notes with definitions for key words and terms, quotable quotes from historians as well as historical figures, and text boxes separate from the main text body to draw particular emphasis on points of greater interest in contemporary issues (George Will on the question of term limits for Congress; Benjamin Franklin on property qualifications for voting; etc.). Monk ends as she began, writing of the Constitution as words to live by in the future. She characterises the ongoing debate as one between different ideas of freedom - some see freedom as freedom from something (government intrusion and more), whereas others see freedom as freedom to achieve something. How this will ultimately be played out on a constitutional level is speculation, as is the conjecture on what may become future amendments to the Constitution. Overall, this was a fun book to read, informative and interesting. Monk draws text box and side-bar quo...

Our book club read and had a lively discussion of this book recently. The concepts that Monk discusses in easy-to-understand language are so important right now. The simple but not simplistic discussions of each section are accompanied by plenty of illustrations, anecdotes and stories to make it all come alive. I read the news differently as a result - when I hear discussions of whether something is Constitutional it's not an abstract concept anymore. Update: I also decided to give copies to the history and law teachers at my daughter's high school - it's a great teacher's resource. BTW, did not have any ordering problems -- that issue seems to be resolved as long as you order the one with the black circle in the top right corner, which is actually the new edition, not 2004 as listed on the site.