Books with author Sara Levinson

Levinson argues that too many of our Constitution's provisions promote either unjust or ineffective government. Under the existing blueprint, we can neither rid ourselves of incompetent presidents nor assure continuity of government following catastrophic attacks. Less important, perhaps, but certainly problematic, is the appointment of Supreme Court judges for life. Adding insult to injury, the United States Constitution is the most difficult to amend or update of any constitution currently existing in the world today. Democratic debate leaves few stones unturned, but we tend to take our basic constitutional structures for granted. Levinson boldly challenges the American people to undertake a long overdue public discussion on how they might best reform this most hallowed document and construct a constitution adequate to our democratic values. "Admirably gutsy and unfashionable." --Michael Kinsley, The New York Times "Bold, bracingly unromantic, and filled with illuminating insights. He accomplishes an unlikely feat, which is to make a really serious argument for a new constitutional convention, one that is founded squarely on democratic ideals." --Cass R. Sunstein, The New Republic "Everyone who cares about how our government works should read this thoughtful book." --Washington Lawyer

From one of America’s most distinguished constitutional scholars, an intriguing exploration of America’s most famous political tract and its relevance to today’s politics In An Argument Open to All, renowned legal scholar Sanford Levinson takes a novel approach to what is perhaps America’s most famous political tract. Rather than concern himself with the authors as historical figures, or how The Federalist helps us understand the original intent of the framers of the Constitution, Levinson examines each essay for the political wisdom it can offer us today. In eighty-five short essays, each keyed to a different essay in The Federalist, he considers such questions as whether present generations can rethink their constitutional arrangements; how much effort we should exert to preserve America’s traditional culture; and whether The Federalist’s arguments even suggest the desirability of world government.

In his widely acclaimed volume Our Undemocratic Constitution, Sanford Levinson boldly argued that our Constitution should not be treated with "sanctimonious reverence," but as a badly flawed document deserving revision. Now Levinson takes us deeper, asking what were the original assumptions underlying our institutions, and whether we accept those assumptions 225 years later.In Framed, Levinson challenges our belief that the most important features of our constitutions concern what rights they protect. Instead, he focuses on the fundamental procedures of governance such as congressional bicameralism; the selection of the President by the electoral college, or the dimensions of the President's veto power--not to mention the near impossibility of amending the United States Constitution. These seemingly "settled" and "hardwired" structures contribute to the now almost universally recognized "dysfunctionality" of American politics. Levinson argues that we should stop treating the United States Constitution as uniquely exemplifying the American constitutional tradition. We should be aware of the 50 state constitutions, often interestingly different--and perhaps better--than the national model. Many states have updated their constitutions by frequent amendment or by complete replacement via state constitutional conventions. California's ungovernable condition has prompted serious calls for a constitutional convention. This constant churn indicates that basic law often reaches the point where it fails and becomes obsolete. Given the experience of so many states, he writes, surely it is reasonable to believe that the U.S. Constitution merits its own updating. Whether we are concerned about making America more genuinely democratic or only about creating a system of government that can more effectively respond to contemporary challenges, we must confront the ways our constitutions, especially the United States Constitution, must be changed in fundamental ways.

The Nature Watch titles are the perfect non-fiction picture books for budding animal lovers. A fun, engaging format, beautiful illustrations and gentle educational text make the series an appealing and absorbing gift for children. Die-cut holes make these wonderful books come to life! Each layer in Nature Watch: Under the Waves shows a different sea level, from shallow rockpools to the very bottom of the ocean. Peek through the holes onto the next page to spot all kinds of wonderful sea life, from jellyfish to vampire squid, coral reefs to sea lilies. Each page has fun facts and lots of things to find and count to keep children engaged, and Kirsti Davidson’s accompanying illustrations bring a lively visual appeal. Die-cut holes make these wonderful books come to life! Each layer in Nature Watch: In the Treetops shows a different level of the rainforest, from the forest floor to the highest branches. Peek through the holes onto the next page to spot all kinds of wonderful jungle creatures, from tapirs to jaguars, howler monkeys to scarlet macaws. Each page has fun facts and lots of things to find and count to keep children engaged, and Kirsti Davidson’s accompanying illustrations bring a lively visual appeal.

The Nature Watch titles are the perfect non-fiction picture books for budding animal lovers. A fun, engaging format, beautiful illustrations and gentle educational text make the series an appealing and absorbing gift for children. Die-cut holes make these wonderful books come to life! Each layer in Nature Watch: Under the Waves shows a different sea level, from shallow rockpools to the very bottom of the ocean. Peek through the holes onto the next page to spot all kinds of wonderful sea life, from jellyfish to vampire squid, coral reefs to sea lilies. Each page has fun facts and lots of things to find and count to keep children engaged, and Kirsti Davidson’s accompanying illustrations bring a lively visual appeal.

Find out all about how book is made, from making the paper to printing the words to designing the cover.This e-book is best viewed on Kindle Fire in landscape view to optimise your experience.Turquoise/Band 7 books offer literary language and extended descriptions, with longer sentences and a wide range of unfamiliar terms.Text type: An information book.The whole journey is recapped visually in one spread on pages 22–23.

Children can learn how to make and decorate paper hats in this engaging non-fiction book by Sarah Levison. Step-by-step instructions are accompanied by colourful photographs to make the process easy and fun.• Children can learn how to make and decorate paper hats in this engaging non-fiction book by Sarah Levison. Step-by-step instructions are accompanied by colourful photographs to make the process easy and fun.• Pink A/Band 1A books offer emergent readers very simple text supported by illustrations.• Children can recap the stages of how to make a hat on pages 14–15.• Text type: An instruction text• Curriculum links: Expressive arts and design