A leading legal scholar addresses the most important constitutional controversies of the past two decades and illuminates the Constitution's spirit and ongoing relevanceAmerica's Constitution; Chief Justice John Marshall famously observed in McCulloch v. Maryland; aspires “to endure for ages to come.†The daily news has a shorter shelf life; and when the issues of the day involve momentous constitutional questions; present-minded journalists and busy citizens cannot always see the stakes clearly.In The Constitution Today; Akhil Reed Amar; America's preeminent constitutional scholar; considers the biggest and most bitterly contested debates of the last two decades and provides a passionate handbook for thinking constitutionally about today's headlines. Amar shows how the Constitution's text; history; and structure are a crucial repository of collective wisdom; providing specific rules and grand themes relevant to every organ of the American body politic. Prioritizing sound constitutional reasoning over partisan preferences; he makes the case for diversity-based affirmative action and a right to have a gun in one's home for self-protection; and against spending caps on independent political advertising and bans on same-sex marriage. He explains what's wrong with presidential dynasties; advocates a “nuclear option†to restore majority rule in the Senate; and suggests ways to reform the Supreme Court. And he revisits three dramatic constitutional conflicts—the impeachment of Bill Clinton; the contested election of George W. Bush; and the fight over Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act—to show what politicians; judges; and journalists got right as events unfolded and what they missed.Leading readers through the particular constitutional questions at stake in each episode while outlining his abiding views regarding the Constitution's letter; its spirit; and the direction constitutional law must go; Amar offers an essential guide for anyone seeking to understand America's Constitution and its relevance today.
#726499 in Books Reid Anna 2015-06-09 2015-06-09Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x 1.00 x 6.25l; .84 #File Name: 0465055893368 pagesBorderland A Journey Through the History of Ukraine
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. UKraine: a land on the border of Central EuropeBy archintoanzilIt is a simple book concerned with history of moden Ukraine more than with Kievan Rusj. The country with today's borders is still the largest country in Europe outside Russia and it 's difficul to review and analyze such a large country with disparate regions each with their own history and cultural past. It is a very good book when it comes to the last 150 years and especially to the post-indipendence time. It makes it easier to understand what happened and what is happening in the second decade od the twenty-first century. I think the book would be a good reading for the interested public at large but particularly for the diplomats who may tackle a difficult problem without much background knowledge of the country.7 of 8 people found the following review helpful. For the general readerBy William De StefanoThis book provides a decent overview; but was not as developed as I had expected; a bit too conversational and breezy; lacking necessary depth. Thus; the author leaves the geographical space of what constitutes "Ukraine" too vague. National boundaries are especially political here in this crossover region through which various ethnicities have passed; co-mingled and settled; but have too often lived in conflict; as is happening here now. That Ukraine is a Borderland is suggested by the title; but the book's discussion falls short conceptually. While readers will gain some understanding of the area's history; they will not be engaged to think about the more complex issues affecting this culturally rich but troubled country.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Very informative; and well written. There was a ...By Joe LeonVery informative; and well written. There was a lot I didn't know about the Ukraine. Some parts were unsettling; but it was expected.
