The U. S. Constitution : Blueprint for Democracy

School Library Journal

Gr 6 Up-Both of these thorough examinations are presented in a well-organized and readable style. Frequent sidebars feature excerpts from the original sources and present supplemental information. Constitution shows that the basis of this foundation of U.S. government lies in such documents as the Magna Carta and the Mayflower Compact. Chapters include sketches of some of the framers, excerpts from their personal papers, the story of the document, and how it has evolved and been amended. This discussion demonstrates to students that the impact of these words continues today, although the amendments themselves are unevenly covered. Appendixes feature the text of the Constitution, a helpful chart that compares the checks and balances of our Federal system, and a glossary of key historical terms. Emancipation gives a history of slavery, a biography of Lincoln, and background on the Civil War, and explains how the purpose and role of the proclamation shifted during the Civil Rights Movement 100 years later. Two drafts of it are reproduced, as are the full texts of Lincoln's Gettysburg and Second Inaugural Addresses. The information in these books is not new, but it is presented from a perspective that is not found in comparable titles. Black-and-white reproductions and maps appear throughout. Worthwhile additions to American history collections.-Andrew Medlar, Chicago Public Library, IL Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.