Justine Rubinstein Libri

The Constitution is the founding document of the American republic. Over two centuries have passed since its adoption, yet its meaning is still fiercely debated. The debate over whether it should be interpreted strictly as it was written in the eighteenth century or as a living document that must evolve over time to meet Americans' changing needs is ongoing and continues to frame legislation on both the state and national level. This book explores the history, creation, and implementation of the Constitution. From the Constitutional Convention of 1787, when the Founding Fathers argued and compromised with each other as they designed the template for a new nation, through the "great experiment" of the young republic and its first president, George Washington, to the addition of the Bill of Rights and subsequent amendments, the story of the Constitution is still being told. Learn more about how this document came to be, the ways it has shaped our civic life, and how it continues to secure the rights of all Americans.

When America's Founding Fathers were setting up the new government, they wanted to ensure their leaders would be held accountable. For that reason, they established rules and regulations around the practice of impeachment--the ability to charge, convict, and remove a public official should he or she become corrupted by power or fail to carry out the duties of the office. Today, the impeachment process remains one of the most serious government functions. It is rarely used, but its potential to alter the political landscape is great. Though many Americans are aware of the concept of impeachment, the details can be obscure. This book gets to the root of the impeachment process, with facts about its origins in medieval England, its place in the U.S. Constitution, and instances where impeachment proceedings have been launched in American history. From the roles of the House of Representatives and the Senate in an impeachment trial to current debates around impeachment, this volume of the Know Your Government series gives you all the tools you need to grasp one of the most misunderstood legal procedures.