The Words That Made Us: America's Constitutional Conversation, 1760-1840

The US Constitution was ratified in 1788, but the debate over its principles continued for decades. In The Words That Made Us, Akhil Reed Amar explores the constitutional conversation during the first eighty years, tracing the threads of discourse and revealing who was right and wrong on the biggest legal issues.

Format: Hardback
Length: 832 pages
Publication date: 27 May 2021
Publisher: Basic Books

The United States Constitution, ratified in 1788, marked a significant milestone in the nation's history, the culmination of decades of passionate debate about legal and political principles. This debate, which erupted into the American Revolution, revolved around the nature of government and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. However, the ratification of the Constitution did not mark the end of America's constitutional conversation. For the next fifty years, both ordinary Americans and prominent statesmen such as George Washington, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and Thomas Jefferson engaged in ongoing discussions and debates about the Constitution.

Key constitutional questions emerged during this period, including the expansion of the nation's borders, the issue of slavery, the status of Indian tribes, the rights of women and free blacks, and the role of the judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, in resolving these issues.

In his book, "The Words That Made Us," celebrated constitutional scholar Akhil Reed Amar delves into the story of America's constitutional conversation during its first eighty years, from 1760 to 1830. Amar traces the threads of constitutional discourse, weaving together history and law in a vivid and sweeping narrative. His goal is to reveal this history anew while also providing insights into who was right and who was wrong on the most significant legal issues confronting early America.

Without a proper understanding of the Constitution, America and the world suffer. "The Words That Made Us" offers an essential history of the Constitution's formative decades and serves as a valuable guide for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of this important document. By examining the arguments and debates that shaped the Constitution, Amar helps readers gain a deeper appreciation for the principles and values that underpin American democracy.

In conclusion, the United States Constitution, ratified in 1788, was the result of a long and complex constitutional conversation. While the ratification marked a significant milestone, the nation's constitutional dialogue continued for decades, with ordinary Americans and prominent statesmen engaging in debates and discussions about the Constitution's principles and values. "The Words That Made Us" by Akhil Reed Amar is a valuable contribution to this ongoing conversation, providing a comprehensive history of the Constitution's formative decades and offering insights into the key legal issues that shaped early America.

Weight: 1124g
Dimension: 165 x 242 x 65 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780465096350