Our Changing Constitution: How and Why We Have Amended It

Morin, Isobel V.

ISBN 10: 0761302220 ISBN 13: 9780761302223

Publisher: Millbrook Pr, 1998

Synopsis

Explores the amendments that have been made to the Constitution, as well as the proposed amendments that were not passed, detailing the controversies and Supreme Court cases that surrounded them

About this title

Reviews

Grade 7 Up-This well-written examination of the topic opens with the deliberations at the Constitutional Convention in 1787 and the creation of the amendment process. Morin then looks at each of the amendments, beginning with a section on the Bill of Rights. Several, such as those from the Civil War era, receive a chapter each, while others, such as Prohibition and its repeal and the 20th-century amendments relating to the presidency, are grouped together topically. For each amendment, the author provides the text and an excellent analysis of why it was needed, what it has accomplished, and the Supreme Court rulings that have defined it. She also includes chapters on failed efforts such as the ERA and recently proposed amendments such as congressional term limits. She supplies considerable historical background so that readers can put issues into context. Black-and-white photos, reproductions, and political cartoons illustrate the text. Barbara Feinberg's Constitutional Amendments (Holt, 1996) covers the same material but not with the same level of background and analysis. Morin's title is a good choice for any library that needs comprehensive material about the constitution.
Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Millbrook Pr
• Publication date: 1998
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0761302220
• ISBN 13: 9780761302223
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 176