U.S. Constitution for Dummies, All New Edition - Paperback

by Glenn Smith (Author), Melissa Mandel (Author)

An up-to-date and easy-to-read walk through of how America's Constitution actually works under the hood

Looking for an easy-to-read and crystal-clear guide to the document that shapes nearly everything about your relationship with the United States and its government? This brand-new, completely reimagined edition of the U.S. Constitution For Dummies explains the ins and outs of Congress, the executive branch, the presidency, and the Supreme Court. It provides legalese-free walkthroughs of how all those pieces fit together and how they affect your rights and responsibilities as an American.

You'll explore everything from voting rights to the limits of executive power and how American states challenge laws passed by the federal government (and vice versa). You'll discover how the Constitution influences the political process in the United States and how the nature of your constitutional guarantees and rights as a person are changing.

Inside the book:

• Brand-new discussions of how the First Amendment interacts with social media and emerging technology
• Up-to-the-minute explanations of how presidential power and accountability are affected by the Supreme Court's recent decision on presidential criminal immunity
• Explorations of recent changes in the constitutional treatment of reproductive and maternal healthcare
• In depth explanations of how the Constitution safeguards you, from Miranda warnings, search and seizure rules, legal representation, and trial rights

Perfect for students, citizens, activists, professors, and anyone else with an interest in American governance, politics, law, and society, the U.S. Constitution For Dummies is a straightforward resource that skips the jargon and misinformation and offers accurate, up-to-date, and accessible info.

Back Jacket

Know your rights and understand your government

The U.S. Constitution shapes everything from who can vote to what you can say online--and right now, it's at the center of some of the biggest debates in America. U.S. Constitution For Dummies breaks down this foundational document so you can understand how the government really works and why it matters to you. You'll explore the origins of the Constitution, see how the three branches balance power, and make sense of the Supreme Court rulings making headlines today. Whether you're a student, a voter, or just someone who wants to be an informed citizen, this friendly guide makes constitutional law accessible and even interesting.

Inside ...

• The Bill of Rights explained
• Executive power and its limits
• How the Supreme Court works
• Voting rights and elections
• Free speech in the digital age
• Checks and balances in action
• Civil liberties then and now
• Recent rulings that affect you

Author Biography

Melissa Mandel is an award-winning prosecutor who has represented the State of California before the United States Supreme Court.

Glenn Smith is an emeritus professor and has taught constitutional law for four decades. He remains active as a visiting lecturer at UCSD and is an expert in statutory interpretation, privacy, free speech, and voter initiatives.