for every soon-to-be voter

"We the people of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessing of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."

This past week, while traveling, I read Fault Lines In The Constitution: The Framers, Their Fights, And The Flaws That Affect Us All by Cynthia Levinson and Sanford Levinson. 

I learned so much about the United States Constitution... and its flaws, ambiguities, and compromises. This book is timely, as it turns out that many of the issues we struggle with today have their roots in the creation of the U.S. Constitution.

I loved the layout of this book: the large print, graphics, quotes, and inserts are engaging. From the 'Preamble' to 'Now What?', this book walks the reader through the structures of our government and its limitations.

My favorite part of the book is Part VII - Keeping Pace with the Times.

Alexander Hamilton wrote that ordinary Americans had the opportunity to participate in "reflection and choice" about how they wished to be governed. The First Congress took him up on that offer in 1789 by proposing the series of amendments called the Bill of Rights.

I loved the 'grading' breakdown of the Constitution based on the goals of the preamble: form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.

This is a fantastic book for every young adult reader, every soon-to-be voter, and every American citizen.

For more information, check out the Fault Lines website.