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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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....
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The Third Amendment guarantees that soldiers cannot be quartered with U.S. citizens during times of peace. At the time of its passage, this amendment made a significant difference in the lives of American citizens. It formed a separation between America's military and its civilians. Although seldom cited today in court cases, the Third Amendment's impact has been long lasting, and has given rise to military bases all over the country. This book richly...
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The Constitution and the Bill of Rights were born out of a highly contentious and passionate ideological debate over the relative balance of federal versus state powers. The Tenth Amendment is a further attempt to address the challenges of reaching and maintaining that balance. Readers will learn about the historical context behind why this amendment was deemed necessary and how it was debated, drafted, and ratified. The application of the amendment...
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The First Amendment safeguards some of our most important civil liberties, including freedom of speech, religion, assembly, and the press. This book explores the origin and history of the First Amendment and how the courts have been involved in protecting or limiting these freedoms. The author explains how interpretations of the amendment have evolved and what controversies have surrounded it. The text cites important cases, including examples involving...
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While jury trials in criminal cases are recognized as vitally important to safeguarding the Constitutional rights of the accused, the right to a jury trial in civil cases is a less understood, celebrated, and valued right. This book is an invaluable reminder of just how important the Seventh Amendment is to the promotion and preservation of fairness and justice in America. By entrusting a jury of ordinary and impartial citizens to decide the outcome...
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One of the hallmarks of the American criminal justice system is the right of all people accused of a crime to defend themselves in a speedy, public trial. According to the Sixth Amendment, individuals accused of crimes have a number of important rights, including: the right to a jury of their peers, the right to be informed of the charges against them, the right to an attorney and witnesses in their defense, and the right to face their accuser. This...
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The United States has the most guns per capita of any country in the world. Many Americans value the right to bear arms, which they believe is guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the Constitution. Others believe that the Second Amendment only guarantees the right for organized militias to own guns. This book surveys the history of the Second Amendment and gun ownership in the United States, and explores how the amendment continues to affect us today....
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One of the more elusive and nebulous of Constitutional amendments, the Ninth Amendment essentially guarantees unnamed and unspecified individual rights not explicitly enumerated within the Constitution or the other amendments. From its ratification, the amendment has caused confusion and uncertainty. Even Supreme Court justices have been unsure how to interpret it and unclear about exactly what individual rights it extends to American citizens. The...
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Prior to the existence of the Eighth Amendment, there was little to protect citizens of the English colonies from excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishments. The enduring freedoms guaranteed by this amendment are extremely important to all U.S. citizens. Readers will learn about the politicians who fought for the amendment's passage. They will also learn about what life was like for Americans before the Eighth Amendment was...
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The Fourth Amendment states that American citizens have the right to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and belongings against unreasonable searches and seizures. This was not always the case. The Founders had to overcome great obstacles-fighting for American independence and ratifying the Constitution and the Bill of Rights-to provide these rights. This book outlines that arduous journey, and then focuses on the Fourth Amendment's impact...
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The Fifth Amendment is the longest amendment in the Bill of Rights, so this book begins by breaking down each clause one-by-one, explaining the legalese in uncomplicated language, thus allowing the reader to reach a full understanding of due process. It then explains the ratification process of the Bill of Rights and systemically describes the impact of the Fifth Amendment clause by clause, using Supreme Court cases as real-world examples. Sidebars...
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Soon after the start of the American Revolutionary War in 1775, the Thirteen Colonies proclaimed their independence from British rule and became the United States of America. The written word proved vital in shaping America's new identity, laying the groundwork for societal principles and political doctrine alike. From Thomas Jefferson and the members of the Second Continental Congress, to Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, the authors...
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ix, 306 pages ; 25 cm
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Libertarian author Woods sets the record straight with a provocative look at the hidden truths about our nation's history--the ones that have been buried because they're too politically incorrect to discuss. Woods draws on real scholarship--as opposed to the myths, platitudes, and slogans so many other "history" books are based on--to ask and answer tough questions about American history. Woods's eye-opening exploration reveals how much has been whitewashed...
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