Understanding the United States Constitution

Having disassociated themselves from an oppressive government with a strong central religion, the Founding Fathers of the United States acknowledged the freedom to practice one's religion when writing the nation's constitution. Subsequent constitutional amendments further drew a line between the ecumenical and the secular. Detailed descriptions of Supreme Court cases on the topic offer readers a clearer understanding of the original intent behind separating church and state, as well as how interpretations of such matters have impacted U.S. legislation.

The gun rights issue has been among the most contentious debates since the founding of the United States. This instructive volume offers close but comprehensible readings of the Second Amendment set against the backdrop of fluctuating social and political contexts. Additionally, it documents the evolution of arguments for and against "the right to bear arms." Readers will understand why this provocative issue has continued to rage in the courts and among politicians through the years and may do so for years to come.

Though we all depend upon the programs, services, and infrastructure taxes provide, few of us are happy to pay them. Presented here is the long and rich history of taxation in America, a national saga of fierce debate, violent rebellion, and all-out revolution. Threaded throughout this history of taxation are the many real-world challenges and protests that led to precedent-setting court cases, constitutional amendments, and our modern tax system. Supports Common Core standards for the analysis of seminal U.S. documents, loaded as it is with primary source images, actual transcripts of court decisions, and relevant constitutional text and interpretation.

One would think that by now the issue of marriage and the simple right for two people who love one another to be together would be settled. Even in the 21st century, people ask, "What is marriage?" Although the word "marriage" isn't even mentioned in the Constitution, readers will learn why this issue has been a subject of debate for years, whether for interracial or same-sex couples. Primary source documents, quotes, and explanations of Supreme Court rulings help set the scene and tell the evolving tale of equality for marriage rights in the United States.

While there are some Americans who are inclined to evaluate the moral, ethical, and medical legitimacy of abortion on a case-by-case basis, many others are strictly, unwaveringly pro-choice (favoring abortion rights) or pro-life (antiabortion). Over the last few decades, whether abortions should be legal at all-under any circumstances-has created a deep political rift across the United States. This book, which charts the shifts in interpretation of the U.S. Constitution on this matter, is a must-read for anyone hoping to understand where the nation and its laws have stood on the issue, its current state of play, and what the future of the abortion rights vs. right to life struggle may hold.