The U.S. Constitution Simplified: A plainspoken guide to the founding principles of the United States

What does the US Constitution mean for you?

One of the most revered, imitated, and controversial governmental documents in the world, the US Constitution serves as the foundation for the American government and shapes the lives of Americans every day. But what do you know about its history and the impact it has on guiding an ever-evolving nation? 

This book provides a clear look at the single document that defines America, including the birth of the Constitution and the history and details of its amendments.

This revision covers recent court rulings related to the Constitution and how those decisions have ramifications for everyday Americans. If you've never fully read the Constitution before, this guide will give you an opportunity to learn about the most influential document in US history.

Timothy Harper is a journalist, author, professor, and lawyer who writes frequently on law, lawyers, and legal issues. A winner of the American Bar Association’s Silver Gavel for his journalism, he is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Law School and a former national correspondent for the Associated Press. Tim is a frequent contributor to national magazines, newspapers, and websites, and he is the author of 12 previous books, including two editions of Idiot’s Guides: The U.S. Constitution. As an editorial and publishing consultant, he also has helped dozens of individuals and institutions research, write, and publish their own books.

Tim has taught in the graduate programs at the Columbia Journalism School and New York University’s Carter Institute and since 2007 has been a visiting professor and writing coach at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at the City University of New York. He also is the founding editor and publisher of the CUNY Journalism Press. For more on Tim and his work, go to timharper.com.