The Constitution

"A solid, intelligent, reliable, and interesting look at the origins of the Constitution, its basic structure, and its interpretation over the course of our country's history. The Paulsens' book does not tell Americans what to think, but it provides invaluable help as they think for themselves."

"This impressive book by the father-son duo of Michael Stokes Paulsen and Luke Paulsen...is in its own way an eloquent testament to the Constitution as a covenant across generations. The Paulsens provide a lively and informed overview of how the Constitution has played out over our nation's history. They take positions--often firmly, sometimes less so--on a host of constitutional cases and questions. But [they] seek to spur conversations about the Constitution, not to end them."

"A commentary on the Constitution that may be profitably read by experts and non-experts alike. It is at once intellectually sophisticated without being pedantic, and comprehensible to lay readers without demeaning their intelligence. The Paulsens have accomplished what legions of professors have failed to do, and in truth have scarcely even tried to do: they explain in 300 gracefully written pages the origins, structure, operations, and political development of the United States Constitution."

"Easily accessible and remarkably free of polemic... a most pleasant exercise."

"A clear, concise reader-friendly book.... A fascinating journey through American history."

"Short but layered. [The Constitution] displays a professor's insights and a recent college graduate's sense for the lay reader's needs. It tells good stories at a fast clip in limpid prose...the book's greatest achievement is preternaturally good discretion in distilling hundreds of cases and copious scholarship and centuries of good stories to tell. [This] isn't just our Constitution's best short introduction; it might help make our civic culture at once more sober and more hopeful."

"A nice balance of history, commentary, and discussion over the complexities of understanding the US Constitution and Bill of Rights from their British origins to the present. Excellent for collections on US history, law, and politics."

“A highly accessible and scholarly but lively look at the nation's guiding document.”

"A sharp, efficient guide to the creation, content, and construction of the supreme law of the land. A well-conceived, well-executed primer."

“An uncomplicated but sophisticated primer...[Paulsen and Paulsen] cover the basics well, with thoughtful interpretations of groundbreaking opinions on the free speech guarantee of the First Amendment, the abortion rights case Roe v. Wade, and the 14th Amendment...This is a useful, accessible, and pertinent overview that is well seasoned with opinion.”

"This readable history of the Constitution as it has evolved over more than two centuries corrects many false beliefs about that document and its applicability to every corner of American life. Written in a style that makes it accessible to readers at several levels, this book tells the human story of the ways in which the world's oldest written constitution has shaped our experience."

"Michael and Luke Paulsen have written the most readable and insightful introduction to the U.S. Constitution since the days of Supreme Court Justice Joseph Story, in 1840. This book is a must read for anyone trying to learn about the U.S. Constitution."

"The Constitution: An Introduction is packed both with essential information and discerning analysis. More than that, it reads like a novel-adventure story. It will make a great text in any number of classes."

"A splendid introduction to the Constitution - one that takes the text of our nation's charter seriously and provides illuminating explanations of why its drafters chose the principles, concepts, and language they did for their 'great experiment' in republican government and ordered liberty. The Constitution: An Introduction strips away the layers of interpretation that obscure the Constitution's meaning, enabling readers to encounter the Constitution itself."

"This wonderful work is the best introduction to the United States Constitution available. It does a brilliant job reviewing two-and-one-quarter centuries of American experience. Essential reading for those who still believe in ordered liberty and self-government."