American Documents: The Constitution - Hardcover

Finkelman, Paul

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0792279379 ISBN 13: 9780792279372

Publisher: National Geographic Children's Books, 2005

Synopsis

Constitutional law expert Paul Finkelman offers readers a carefully researched and highly readable look at the document that is the blueprint of American democracy. He begins by showing how ineffective the Confederation government was in dealing with the problems facing the newly independent republic: no uniform laws among states, no courts to settle arguments, no power to collect taxes. Then the reader sits in on the Constitutional Convention, where arguments about how to balance power between large and small states and how to count slaves as part of the population are among the key issues. They will learn about the Virginia Plan, the New Jersey Plan, the Connecticut Plan, and the Three-fifths Compromise, and meet some of the Federalists and Anti-Federalists who passionately argued the Constitution's pros and cons until it was finally ratified and became the law of the land. Includes the complete text of The Constitution.

About this title

About the Author:

Paul Finkelman is the Chapman Distinguished Professor at the University of Tulsa College of Law. He has been a fellow at Harvard Law School and has written more than 20 books on constitutional law in American history. He lives in Tulsa, OK.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 4-8–These titles give clear and concise introductions to two important documents, providing historical context for their creation and comments on their impact throughout history including their place in our society today. The superior layout and illustrations enhance and reinforce the texts through a combination of high-quality reproductions, photographs, artwork, and biographical sidebars. Though Constitution lacks diagrams or maps to help explain some of the more confusing parts of American government, it is ultimately accessible. Pair it with Syl Sobels more comprehensive The U.S. Constitution and You (Barrons, 2001) or use it to expand study after an introduction with David Catrows incredible We the Kids (Dial, 2002). Proclamation fills a gap in the small lineup of titles about this important document. Both books will find primary use as research tools, but budding history buffs will undoubtedly be attracted to their glossy pages for browsing. Solid selections for collections in need of history or government resources.–Jill Heritage Maza, Conn Elementary, Raleigh, NC
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About this edition

• Publisher: National Geographic Children's Books
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0792279379
• ISBN 13: 9780792279372
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 48