The United States Constitution

by Liz Sonneborn

Overview

Learn about the United States Constitution, one of the most significant documents in U.S. history. Find out about those who were involved in its creation and why studying this primary source is so important.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781484611258
Publisher:	Capstone
Publication date:	07/01/2014
Series:	Documenting U.S. History
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	48
File size:	50 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

About the Author

Liz Sonneborn is a full-time writer living in Brooklyn, New York. She is the author of more than 90 books for children and young adults. Her specialities include American history and biography.

Table of Contents

Sources of History 4 Governing the States 8 The Constitutional Convention 14 Writing the Document 20 Inside the Constitution 28 Preserving the Past 36 The U.S. Constitution Today 40 Timeline 44 Glossary 46 Find Out More 47 Index 48

Editorial Reviews

Gr 4–6—In the first book, each of the 10 amendments is quoted and explained. Sidebars expand on some; for example, the Sixth Amendment is accompanied by a brief look at the Miranda Statement. It's a good overview of one of our founding documents and will prepare readers for single titles such as those in "The Bill of Rights" series (ABDO, 2008). Taking the Common Core standard regarding "the relationship between a primary and secondary source" to heart, Magna Carta begins by defining primary and secondary sources and identifying the document as an important primary source. Baxter explains that the ideas expressed in the Magna Carta influenced the authors of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. A later section outlines some specific ways in which the liberties granted in it are incorporated into U.S. law. The books cited in the "Find Out More" section offer information on medieval life and the American Revolution, but not the Magna Carta itself. Despite a few minor flaws, this title may be of interest where the curriculum allows for a more thorough study of the history of U.S. founding documents. Most of Sonneborn's material is standard fare: an outline of the causes of the Revolutionary War, the initial failure of the Articles of Confederation, and the ultimately successful Constitutional Convention. Each of the seven articles is discussed, as is the Bill of Rights and later amendments. An explanation of primary and secondary sources includes a useful description of when and why a historian might use each type. In all of the books, maps, photographs, and reproductions of original documents add visual appeal.—Rebecca Donnelly, Rio Rancho Public Library, NM

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