Constitutional Myths: What We Get Wrong and How to Get It Right - Softcover

Raphael, Ray

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1620971348 ISBN 13: 9781620971345

Publisher: The New Press, 2015

Synopsis

Americans on both sides of the aisle love to reference the Constitution as the ultimate source of truth. But which truth? What did the framers really have in mind? In a book that author R.B. Bernstein calls essential reading,” acclaimed historian Ray Raphael places the Constitution in its historical context, dispensing little-known facts and debunking popular preconceived notions.

For each myth, Raphael first notes the kernel of truth it represents, since most myths have some basis in fact. Then he presents a big BUT”—the larger context that reveals what the myth distorts. What did the framers see as the true role of government? What did they think of taxes? At the Constitutional Convention, how did they mix principles with politics? Did James Madison really father the Constitution? Did the framers promote a Bill of Rights? Do the so-called Federalist Papers reveal the Constitution’s inner meaning?

An authoritative and entertaining book, which should appeal equally to armchair historians and professionals in the field” (Booklist), Constitutional Myths reveals what our founding document really says and how we should apply it today.

About this title

About the Author:

Ray Raphael’s seventeen books include A People’s History of the American Revolution,The First American Revolution, Founders, Constitutional Myths, andFounding Myths, all published by The New Press. He is currently a senior research fellow at Humboldt State University. He lives in Northern California, where he hikes and kayaks.

From Booklist:

The historian and author of several books about the period of the American Revolution takes a look at some of the commonly held beliefs about the Constitution. For example: lots of folks think the framers of the Constitution were dead set against taxes. Not so: “no taxation without representation” is a cool rallying cry, but without the ability to tax the citizenry, the Confederation Congress would have been unable to provide such necessary things as a way to defend the country against attack. Another example: many people believe that the Founding Fathers gave us the Bill of Rights. However, the truth is this: the Constitution of the U.S., unlike many of the states’ constitutions, did not originally contain “a thoughtful listing of rights but only a scattering of guarantees.” The Bill of Rights came later, after the Constitution was ratified, through a series of amendments, some of which altered or deleted provisions of the original Constitution. Raphael has a lively writing style, but he doesn’t skimp on historical details. This fascinating account should appeal equally to armchair historians and professionals in the field. --David Pitt

About this edition

• Publisher: The New Press
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 1620971348
• ISBN 13: 9781620971345
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 336