Constitution for Americans

The U.S. Constitution: A Reader, featuring 113 primary source documents, was developed for teaching the core course on the U.S. Constitution at Hillsdale College. The readings, divided into eleven sections with introductions by members of Hillsdale's Politics Department faculty, cover the principles of the American founding, the framing and structure of the Constitution, the secession crisis and the Civil War, the Progressive rejection of the Constitution, and the building of the administrative state based on Progressive principles.

America's Founders created a form of government that, in the words of James Madison, had "no model on the face of the earth." Its moral foundation is in the Declaration of Independence and its principle of equal natural rights. Under the Constitution, government was to be limited to protecting those rights.

In recent decades, however, the way our government operates has departed from the Constitution. Government has become less limited, and our liberties less secure. At the same time, true civic education in America--education in the Constitution--has largely died out. Hillsdale College sees it as one of its highest duties to reverse this.

The U.S. Constitution: A Reader was developed with the goal of addressing this critical need. By providing a comprehensive collection of primary source documents, the book offers a unique opportunity for students and citizens to engage with the foundational principles and historical context of the Constitution. Through a deep exploration of the text, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the original intent and purpose of this pivotal document.

The eleven sections of the book cover a wide range of topics, each introduced by a member of Hillsdale's Politics Department faculty. These introductions provide valuable context and analysis, guiding readers through the complexities of the Constitution's framing, structure, and evolution.

The first section delves into the principles of the American founding, exploring the philosophical and political ideas that shaped the creation of the United States. Subsequent sections examine the framing and structure of the Constitution, the debates and compromises that led to its ratification, and the subsequent crises and challenges it has faced.

One particularly significant section focuses on the secession crisis and the Civil War, a pivotal moment in American history that tested the resilience of the Constitution. Readers will gain insights into the constitutional arguments made by both the Union and the Confederacy, and the lasting impact of the conflict on the balance of power between the federal government and the states.

Another crucial section explores the Progressive rejection of the Constitution, examining the political and intellectual movements that sought to fundamentally transform the role of government in American society. This section sheds light on the ongoing tension between the Founders' vision of limited government and the growth of the administrative state.

Throughout the book, readers will encounter a rich tapestry of primary source documents, including speeches, letters, and legislative debates. These firsthand accounts provide a vivid and immediate connection to the historical figures and events that shaped the Constitution's enduring legacy.

By engaging with this comprehensive collection, readers will have the opportunity to grapple with the Constitution's complexities, challenge their own assumptions, and develop a deeper appreciation for the principles that underpin American democracy. The U.S. Constitution: A Reader is a vital resource for students, scholars, and citizens alike, offering a compelling exploration of the document that has long served as the foundation of the United States.

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