The only volume of its kind, this book provides diverse readings relevant to the topic of constitutional amendment and change. Beginning with sources that were part of the cultural heritage of America's Founding Fathers, the book proceeds to trace debates over the desirability and frequency of constitutional change and the adequacy of the constitutional amending process from the Revolutionary War period to the present. Included are debates over general principles, texts and discussions of individual amendments, and relevant judicial decisions. Where possible, readings are paired to show rival views; each selection is prefaced by an explanation of the reading's context and significance.

Autorentext

The Author: John R. Vile is Professor and Chair of the Department of Political Science at Middle Tennessee State University. A graduate of the College of William and Mary and the University of Virginia, Vile has published numerous articles and four other books: Rewriting the Constitution (1991),The Constitutional Amending Process in American Political Thought (1992),A Companion to the United States Constitution and Its Amendments (1993), and Contemporary Questions Surrounding the Constitutional Amending Process (1993).