Starred Review ALA Booklist

Starred Review Lately there's been dismay that civics, government, and history have taken a backseat in classrooms. This smartly conceived book goes a long way toward reintroducing students to those subjects. After an informative introduction that dissects the Preamble and covers the leap from the Articles of Confederation to the Constitution, the Levinsons link both history and current events as they offer an illustrative group of examples that show where the Constitution got it right d wrong. The nine chapters cover a wide range of topics, including bicameralism, presidential vetoes, gerrymandering, term limits, and voting rights. Each chapter begins with a controversial news event or court case. These are well-chosen: whether John McCain, born in the Canal Zone, was eligible to run for president; how a 101-year-old Texas woman was deprived of her vote because she lacked an approved ID; FDR's right to run for a third term. Then the chapters pivot ("Meanwhile, Back in 1787") and describe the framers' thinking on the topic. Other repeated sections examine the relevant topic in-depth; describe alternate methods, used by other states or countries, to deal with the issue; and explain how that issue played out and the effects it may continue to have today. Although the font, charts, and well-written text make this appealing, it's not always an easy read. It is, however, an important one.

Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews

The United States Constitution has been amended 27 times since its 1788 ratification, but the Levinsons make the reasonable and compelling case that further revision will make it even more efficient and just. Cynthia Levinson, the author of We've Got a Job (2012), teams up with her husband, Sanford Levinson, a constitutional law scholar and professor, to explain how many of the political issues we struggle with today are rooted in flaws in the U.S. Constitution. Among the issues explored, in lively, accessible prose, are bicameralism, the Electoral College, emergency powers, gerrymandering, the presidential veto, and voter-identification requirements. In the chapters examining these issues, real-life examples illustrate each constitutional flaw (the 2000 election illustrates the problems in the Electoral College, for instance). Putting it in historical and contemporary context, the authors explain the problem, make comparisons to constitutions of other nations, and suggest viable solutions. The Levinsons grade the Constitution's success in meeting its primary goals as outlined in the Preamble, giving it a C-plus overall. The text concludes with the authors debating the pros and cons of a second Constitutional Convention. A fascinating, thoughtful, and provocative look at what in the Constitution keeps the United States from being "a more perfect union." (timeline, bibliography, endnotes) (Nonfiction. 10-18)

School Library Journal Starred Review

Gr 6-8Gerrymandering. Filibusters. The electoral college. The authors tackle these and other constitutional issues in this insightful work. The book functions differently than a straightforward explanatory text on the U.S. Constitution. Rather, the authors examine the fissures and issues that arise when it comes to the actual application of the Constitution: Why does a small state have the same power in the Senate as a state with exponentially higher population? How can certain stipulations in the Constitution deter otherwise popular legislation? The text discusses current conflicts, such as the irony of "Taxation Without Representation" in regard to Washington, DC, and Senate filibusters that kill potentially popular legislation before it can even be voted on. Historical situations are also examined, such as the Sedition Act of 1918 that barred anti-war speech during World War One. The book provides readers with a broad context of constitutional law; the text explores how various parts of the U.S. Constitution compare with individual state constitutions and other nations' constitutions. The authors not only raise timely issues, but provide readers with options of how a seemingly obsolete stipulation can be amended. Many examples of amended laws, e.g., the repeal of Prohibition, illustrate the evolving nature of the law. At times, the authors seem to express their support of a more direct democracy. They also provide a "report card" on the Constitution's ability to handle its objectives, such as "Form a More Perfect Union" and "Promote the General Welfare." Pons's helpful illustrations resemble infographics, pulling out startling facts from the text and repackaging them visually. VERDICT Much food for thought on the application and relevance of many of the Constitution's stipulations. Essential for class discussions, debate teams, and reports.Jeffrey Meyer, Mount Pleasant Public Library, IA

Kirkus Reviews (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

The United States Constitution has been amended 27 times since its 1788 ratification, but the Levinsons make the reasonable and compelling case that further revision will make it even more efficient and just. Cynthia Levinson, the author of We've Got a Job (2012), teams up with her husband, Sanford Levinson, a constitutional law scholar and professor, to explain how many of the political issues we struggle with today are rooted in flaws in the U.S. Constitution. Among the issues explored, in lively, accessible prose, are bicameralism, the Electoral College, emergency powers, gerrymandering, the presidential veto, and voter-identification requirements. In the chapters examining these issues, real-life examples illustrate each constitutional flaw (the 2000 election illustrates the problems in the Electoral College, for instance). Putting it in historical and contemporary context, the authors explain the problem, make comparisons to constitutions of other nations, and suggest viable solutions. The Levinsons grade the Constitution's success in meeting its primary goals as outlined in the Preamble, giving it a C-plus overall. The text concludes with the authors debating the pros and cons of a second Constitutional Convention. A fascinating, thoughtful, and provocative look at what in the Constitution keeps the United States from being "a more perfect union." (timeline, bibliography, endnotes) (Nonfiction. 10-18)

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Cynthia Levinson (The Youngest Marcher) and her constitutional law professor husband hone in on select aspects of the United States Constitution; after scrutiny of the Preamble-s intentions and some of the document-s problematic provisions, they call urgently for reform, giving it an overall C+ grade. (Sanford Levinson-s 2006 book, Our Undemocratic Constitution, navigated similar terrain for an adult readership.) The authors focus on how bills become law, who can vote or be elected to office, succession provisions, and amending the Constitution; the conundrum of the Electoral College merits its own section. Interest-piquing anecdotes open each chapter, the effects of the Constitution-s provisions are dramatically summarized in poster-like illustrations, and the ensuing discussions-a review of the Framers- concerns in 1787, analyses of various -Big Problems,- and possible solutions found in other operating constitutions-are both cogent and highly readable (-We continue to operate under the terms of their last-minute flip-flop-). This thought-provoking and exceptionally topical work concludes with a debate between the Levinsons over the best way to accomplish much-needed changes to America-s most basic governing document. Ages 10-14. Agent: Erin Murphy, Erin Murphy Literary. (Sept.)

Voice of Youth Advocates (Thu Apr 28 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

The Levinsons offer a detailed and interesting account of the process that resulted in the United States Constitution, making a normally dry tale accessible to all. They guide readers through the entire Constitution step by step, complete with examples to demonstrate when the powers from each part of the document have been used by all political parties. The authors use plain language to explain what each section means, pointing out strengths and flaws and explaining why flaws exist. Drawing from both historical and contemporary times, the authors show how the Constitution has been and is still interpreted and misinterpreted, affecting the manner in which the U.S. government operates. There have been twenty-seven changes to the original document since it was adopted in the late 1700s, and the authors propose that further amendments are necessary to settle such topical issues as the electoral college and gerrymandering voting districts. The fun, narrative style makes for an easy read, while the thoughtful analysis provides a provocative experience. The story jumps from past to present, holding the reader’s interest as the authors make connections to today’s issues. The authors remain as neutral as possible while clearly demonstrating their belief in a need for revision but showing no affiliation with either current political party or ideology. Their object is clearly to educate, not influence. They present the reader with explanations of the historical manuscript and highlight both its strengths and weaknesses. Attractive and informative visuals aid in comprehension, making this title a recommended purchase for libraries serving young adults.—Barbara Allen.