Customer Reviews

When in the course of human events... - By: Kurt Messick, 06 Jan 2006
Every homein the United States should have a copy of the Declaration of Independence & the Constitution of the United States. People outside the United States often know these documents better than American citizens, for they are often held up as models for others. Evenin the British system, which has no single document that stands with the authority that the American Constitution doesin their system, there is some level of admiration for the document.

Contrary to what is often thought, given the giant reputation & high esteem of these documents, the texts arein fact quite short - the Declaration takes but a few pages, & the Constitution (even with all amendments) takes but a few more.

This book includes a brief prefac by Cass R. Sunstein, an index an suggestions for further readings on the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, & the founding fathers. However, what really sets this volume apart is the inclusion of a lesser-known but vital document, the text of 'A Bill for Establishing Religious Freedom' by Thomas Jefferson. This is one of the foundational documents for the separation of church & state, & a guidebook for the way Jefferson & other founding fathers were thinkingin this crucial & still-relevant method of governmental action.

This is a good text, interesting, with a difference, & am important piece of history & current practice for all Americans.