Books in The Constitution of the United States series

The Fifth Amendment is the longest amendment in the Bill of Rights, so this book begins by breaking down each clause one-by-one, explaining the legalese in uncomplicated language, thus allowing the reader to reach a full understanding of due process. It then explains the ratification process of the Bill of Rights and systemically describes the impact of the Fifth Amendment clause by clause, using Supreme Court cases as real-world examples. Sidebars highlight the amendment in action and delve into finer points, such as the Fourteenth Amendment’s impact on the Fifth and the McCarthy era. This book features a list of all the Amendments to the Constitution, including those proposed, but unratified. A rich resource section allows for further exploration.

Part of The Constitution of the United States series, this title recounts the events that led up to the creation of the U.S. Constitution, with primary focus on the creation of the first ten amendments. Author Amy Graham explains how each amendment was chosen, the ratification process, important federal and state court cases that show the Bill of Rights at work, and the recent debate over these ten basic rights of United States citizens. Web links are also showcased throughout the text.

The gun rights issue has been among the most contentious debates since the founding of the United States. This instructive volume offers close but comprehensible readings of the Second Amendment set against the backdrop of fluctuating social and political contexts. Additionally, it documents the evolution of arguments for and against "the right to bear arms." Readers will understand why this provocative issue has continued to rage in the courts and among politicians through the years and may do so for years to come.