A More Perfect Constitution
A More Perfect Constitution

Author: Larry J. Sabato

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA

Published: 2010-07-23

Total Pages: 353

ISBN-13: 0802777562

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"The reader can't help but hold out hope that maybe someday, some of these sweeping changes could actually bring the nation's government out of its intellectual quagmire...his lively, conversational tone and compelling examples make the reader a more than willing student for this updated civics lesson." --The Hill The political book of the year, from the acclaimed founder and director of the Center for politics at the University of Virginia. A More Perfect Constitution presents creative and dynamic proposals from one of the most visionary and fertile political minds of our time to reinvigorate our Constitution and American governance at a time when such change is urgently needed, given the growing dysfunction and unfairness of our political system . Combining idealism and pragmatism, and with full respect for the original document, Larry Sabato's thought-provoking ideas range from the length of the president's term in office and the number and terms of Supreme Court justices to the vagaries of the antiquated Electoral College, and a compelling call for universal national service-all laced through with the history behind each proposal and the potential impact on the lives of ordinary people. Aware that such changes won't happen easily, but that the original Framers fully expected the Constitution to be regularly revised, Sabato urges us to engage in the debate and discussion his ideas will surely engender. During an election year, no book is more relevant or significant than this.

Fault Lines in the Constitution: The Graphic Novel
Fault Lines in the Constitution: The Graphic Novel

Author: Cynthia Levinson

Publisher: First Second

Published: 2020-09-22

Total Pages: 287

ISBN-13: 1250806127

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The latest volume in our World Citizen Comics graphic novel series, Fault Lines in the Constitution teaches readers how this founding document continues to shape modern American society. In 1787, after 116 days of heated debates and bitter arguments, the United States Constitution was created. This imperfect document set forth America’s guiding principles, but it would also introduce some of today's most contentious political issues—from gerrymandering, to the Electoral College, to presidential impeachment. With colorful art, compelling discourse, and true stories from America's past and present, Fault Lines in the Constitution: The Graphic Novel sheds light on how today's political struggles have their origins in the decisions of our Founding Fathers. Children’s book author Cynthia Levinson, constitutional law scholar Sanford Levinson, and artist Ally Shwed deftly illustrate how contemporary problems arose from this founding document—and then they offer possible solutions. This book is part of the World Citizen Comics series, a bold line of civics-focused graphic novels that equip readers to be engaged citizens and informed voters.

American Institute of Parliamentarians Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure
American Institute of Parliamentarians Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure

Author: American Institute of Parliamentarians

Publisher: McGraw Hill Professional

Published: 2012-05-11

Total Pages: 337

ISBN-13: 0071778659

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The classic guide to meeting procedure—updated to meet the needs of today’s organizations For more than 60 years, American Institute of Parliamentarians Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure (formerly, the Sturgis Standard Code) has been helping meeting organizers and participants ensure fairness and justice on a consistent basis. This updated edition provides important new motions and protocols pertaining to electronic meetings, discipline, and finance and audit committees. “The Standard Code lays out the rules in a clear, concise, and readable format for all to use.” —former U.S. Senator Don Nickles “Meeting rules can be abstruse, even to the point of frustration to the average member in an organization. The Standard Code promises to keep the rules simple and understandable—and has delivered on its promise for more than sixty years.” —Robert Dove, Parliamentarian Emeritus of the United States Senate “Takes uncommon terminology and puts it in everyday terms for more clarity in meetings. The Standard Code is an important addition to any parliamentary library.” —Ronald R. Stinson, NAP President 2009-2011 “The meeting-attendee who picks this book up will not only become proficient in the use of the meeting rules, but will also learn the important democratic principles behind the rules.” —Congressman Mike Simpson (Idaho) “Comprehensive and easily understandable.” —Perry Opin, D.D.S., M.Sc.D., Speaker of the House of Delegates of the Connecticut State Dental Association

The Constitution in Jeopardy
The Constitution in Jeopardy

Author: Russ Feingold

Publisher: Hachette UK

Published: 2022-08-30

Total Pages: 316

ISBN-13: 1541701542

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A former U.S. senator joins a legal scholar to examine a hushed effort to radically change our Constitution, offering a warning and a way forward. Over the last two decades, a fringe plan to call a convention under the Constitution's amendment mechanism—the nation's first ever—has inched through statehouses. Delegates, like those in Philadelphia two centuries ago, would exercise nearly unlimited authority to draft changes to our fundamental law, potentially altering anything from voting and free speech rights to regulatory and foreign policy powers. Such a watershed moment would present great danger, and for some, great power. In this important book, Feingold and Prindiville distill extensive legal and historical research and examine the grave risks inherent in this effort. But they also consider the role of constitutional amendment in modern life. Though many focus solely on judicial and electoral avenues for change, such an approach is at odds with a cornerstone ideal of the Founding: that the People make constitutional law, directly. In an era defined by faction and rejection of long-held norms, The Constitution in Jeopardy examines the nature of constitutional change and asks urgent questions about what American democracy is, and should be.