This readable discussion of James Madison and the first ten amendments to the Constitution is perfect for students 9-12. Each amendment is introduced and discussed in terms of current social issues and concerns. The final chapter, entitled When the Bill of Rights Goes Wrong, describes changing social needs and the amendment process. The 462 words that form the Bill of Rights are like a key that helps you make sense of events in the news everyday.
Final chapters discuss later amendments and constitutional controversies.
The casual prose and amusing illustrations make this a kid-friendly introduction. The challenge of both explaining the importance of the Bill of Rights and establishing its relevance for young people lies at the center of this fascinating book. Each of the initial ten amendments to the Constitution is explained in a manner that makes it understandable to a student audience. Through the use of anecdotes, sidebars, and related political topics, the Bill of Rights is brought to life. Issues such as freedom of expression, religious tolerance, rights of privacy, trial by a jury of ones peers, and student rights are described in a manner which is both clear and concise.