This concise; accessible text provides students with a history of American constitutional development in the context of political; economic; and social change. Constitutional historian Michael Benedict stresses the role that the American people have played over time in defining the powers of government and the rights of individuals and minorities. He covers important trends and events in U.S. constitutional history; encompassing key Supreme Court and lower-court cases. The volume begins by discussing the English and colonial origins of American constitutionalism. Following an analysis of the American Revolution's meaning to constitutional history; the text traces the Constitution's evolution from the Early Republic to the present day. This third edition is updated to include the election of 2000; the Tea Party and the rise of popular constitutionalism; and the rise of judicial supremacy as seen in cases such as Citizens United; the Affordable Care Act; and gay marriage.
#527266 in Books imusti 2013-07-18 2013-07-18Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.98 x .78 x 5.99l; .90 #File Name: 1442219823264 pagesRowman Littlefield Publishers
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. in some cases personal failings and bad choices have put people at a disadvantageBy Binnie1This is an eye-opening read. There is an informative and quite interesting explanation about the origins of the American Dream in chapter one. The rest of the chapters expose the widely-held lie that personal failings and a culture of poverty are the only reasons for others' lack of success. Yes; in some cases personal failings and bad choices have put people at a disadvantage. Merit is a very important factor and it cannot be disregarded; but the author does an amazing job of showing how other factors contribute to advantages that simply are not merit-based. I watched a segment this morning on CBS Morning News with the author of; Chaos Monkeys. One of the first statements he made referenced the fact that you cannot believe the success in Silicon Valley is all merit-based. I highly recommend the purchase of The Meritocracy Myth. It is informative and easy read. The second recommendation is the book; Pedigree. It is a must-read; too.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Honest and definitive accountBy tapehead/2If you are only going to read one sociology book in your life; this should be it. If you still have illusions about meritocracy it will help you understand what is going on before it is too late.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Thought provoking book; that is timely for this period ...By Caryl J HallbergThought provoking book; that is timely for this period of American history. Has me thinking about ideologies in a brand new way. Well writtren and interesting.
