The United States Constitution is the basis for our most fundamental rights as Americans and has been a key element in nearly every major legal and political debate ever argued. But how many of us actually understand the language used by our Founding Fathers? Now Linda R. Monk, an award-winning author and journalist, takes us through the Constitution, line by line, to help us comprehend this amazing document and to see the variety of ways in which it has been interpreted. From the Preamble through each and every amendment, Monk offers insight, legal expertise, surprising facts and little-known information, alternate interpretations, and historical anecdotes to this document.

"A Stonesong Press book."

Constitution as conversation: Constitution of the United States: Preamble: we the people -- Article I the legislative branch -- Article II the executive branch -- Article III the judicial branch -- Article IV full faith and credit -- Article V amendments -- Article VI the supreme law of the land -- Article VII ratification -- Amendments to the Constitution of the United States: Freedom of expression -- Right to bear arms -- Quartering of troops -- Unreasonable searches and seizures -- Due process of law -- Right to a fair trial -- Trial by jury in civil cases -- Cruel and unusual punishment -- Unenumerated rights -- States' rights -- Lawsuits against states -- Choosing the executive -- Abolishing slavery -- Equal protection of the laws -- Suffrage for Black men -- Income taxes -- Direct election of senators -- Prohibition -- Women's suffrage -- Lame ducks -- Repealing prohibition -- Presidential term limits -- Electoral votes for the District of Columbia -- Banning the poll tax -- Presidential succession and disability -- Suffrage for young people -- Limiting Congressional pay raises.