Subjects:  1. Comparative government    2. Constitutions    3. General    4. Political Science    5. Politics / Current Events    6. Politics/International Relations    7. Separation of powers    8. Constitution: government & the state    9. Political Science / General    10. Political science & theory   

Subjects:  1. Constitutions    2. Government - U.S. Government    3. History: American    4. Politics / Current Events    5. Political Science / Constitutions    6. Political Science/Government - Comparative    7. United States   

Reviews (2)

pretty good set of journal articles
There are many dimensions to the transport of people across international borders. Global Human Smuggling provide a historical and contemporary look at the topic. They start with the traffic of sex slaves in the late 1800s and early 1900s. They focus on topics such as asylum seekers, ill-legal immigration to America from Mexico and Asia. The book also deals with the topics of organized crime. Russian, Chinese and Mexican organized crime units have played parts in transporting humans from one country to anotuehr. The book also deals with the political impact of smuggling people across borders. Countries such as Japan and the United States have been cracking down the use of illegal aliens and both countries have seen xenophobia saying that foreigners are responsible for crime and lowering native wages.

First thoughtful overview of human smuggling
The topic of human smuggling makes most people think of yet another global mafia business tricking people into slavery. In contrast, this book provides an excellent overview of the complexity and diversity of migrants and refugees trying to get across borders simply to find jobs or freedom. Especially interesting are the historical chapters that place this social issue into perspective and draw parallels with previous "white slavery scares." The book also presents diverse types of research in different countries to provide a mosaic rather than a grand theory of human smuggling. Hopefully more similarly thoughtful work on this topic will follow. Of course, no book on a topic like this can be up to date, so some of the things the authors discuss will have to be reevaluated after 9/11. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Criminology    2. Emigration & Immigration    3. Emigration and immigration    4. Illegal aliens    5. International Relations - General    6. Organized crime    7. Smuggling    8. Social Science    9. Sociology    10. Sociology - General    11. Transnational crime    12. Immigration & emigration    13. Political Science / Constitutions    14. Slavery & emancipation   

Reviews (1)

ABC-CLIO STEALS FROM THEIR AUTHORS
ABC-CLIO STEALS FROM THEIR AUTHORS, PAYS THEM NOTHING, AND ROBS THEM BLIND. DO NOT PURCHASE BOOKS FROM THEM OR FROM THEIR SUBSIDIARIES. BOYCOTT THESE THIEVES!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Cabinet officers    3. Encyclopedias    4. Government - U.S. Government    5. History    6. Political Process - Leadership    7. Political Science    8. Political Science / Congress    9. Politics / Current Events    10. Politics/International Relations    11. Reference    12. U.S. Departments    13. United States    14. Central government policies    15. Congress    16. Constitution: government & the state    17. USA   

Subjects:  1. Congresses    2. International Relations - General    3. International organization    4. International relations    5. Political Science    6. Politics / Current Events    7. Politics/International Relations    8. Power (Social sciences)    9. Constitution: government & the state    10. Political Science / International Relations   

Reviews (2)

Contains interesting things, but somewhat disappointing.
I really thought this book would take a pretty broad view at constitutions and other fundamental government principles throughout the world.In the end, I wound up feeling misled and a little cheated.Fact:virtually all of this book is about the U.S. Constitution alone, and specific issues in American Constitutional law and thought.There are a handful of perfunctory mentions of other countries, but only South Africa gets more than a sentence or three:to wit, the last chapter is about a South African Constitutional Court decision holding that the government should be required to build adequate and affordable housing for children.An interesting discussion -- but too little, too late. Intelligently designing democratic institutions
First of all, I would like to say that I appreciate Cass Sunstein works a lot. Basically, I try to read everything he writes. Although here and there I would have a slightly different opinion (v.g. in free speech matters I tend to have a broader view of this fundamental right) Sunstein's books are always insightful, refreshing and profound. He has deeply influenced my view on constitutional issues.Read more

Subjects:  1. Constitutional    2. Constitutions    3. History & Theory - General    4. Law    5. Political Ideologies - Democracy    6. Politics / Current Events    7. Constitution: government & the state    8. Law / Constitutional    9. Law | Constitutional Law    10. Political structures: democracy   

Reviews (11)

Every American should have this book
Every one of the 50 people at my son's wedding reheasal will be receiving one from me. Like a "Bible zealot", I am becoming a "US Constitution zealot." The book is small & easy to read, a good learning handbook for everyone.FREEDOM THROUGH KNOWLEDGE.

Victim of Vast Right Wing Conspiracy
I think that some zealot right-wingers got a hold of this because I can't find the part about separation of church and state anywhere.Oh, that's right that did not exist until the Everson v. Board of Education decision in 1947.This was a 5-4 decision by a court packed with Roosevelt's socialist justices and they barely bought into this.
Excellent Book!
This is truely a wonderful item.It is reference that everyone should have.I orginally bought it just for a copy of the constitution, however, I have found the court cases and other parts to be just as helpful. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Constitutional    2. Constitutions    3. Government - U.S. Government    4. Political Science    5. Politics / Current Events    6. Politics/International Relations    7. United States - General   

Subjects:  1. Ethics & Moral Philosophy    2. General    3. History & Theory - General    4. Philosophy    5. Plato.    6. Political    7. Politics / Current Events    8. Republic    9. Ancient Greek & Roman philosophy    10. Constitution: government & the state    11. Philosophy / General    12. Political science & theory   

Reviews (5)

One way to approach this book and others in the Library of America
I suspect the idea of reading a collection of writings by Madison, Washington, Hamilton and Jefferson to feel a little too much like home work for most of us to want to do it. I also believe fervently that if you really want to learn the history of this country that such a reading is a necessity.
Constitutional Questions?
The history of the making of our Constitution can be read here. Much valuable insight into contemporary constitutional questions, including separation of Church and State (Madison was a fervent exponent of 'the wall'). A must have and must read for today's politically minded citizen. Surprises abound.

James Madison Speaks for Himself
The American Founders are receiving a great deal of merited attention in popular histories such as "John Adams" and "The Founding Brothers."These books have the merits of readability and accesibility -- of providing knowledge and historical context of the early days of our country in a relatively short but informed compass.Read more

Subjects:  1. 1751-1836    2. 1775-1783    3. 1783-1865    4. Constitutions    5. History - U.S.    6. History: American    7. Madison, James,    8. Political Process - Leadership    9. Political Science    10. Politics and government    11. U.S. Constitutional History    12. U.S. President    13. United States    14. United States - 19th Century    15. Literary Collections / American / General    16. Madison, James   

Reviews (3)

Piviotal resource for ascertaining framer's intent
This is a monumental work, which I think is a must have for student of jurisprudence and constitutional law.I found it incredibly useful as a law student in studying the debates and understanding developments in the common law tradition and constitutional history since the inception of the Republic.It is well organized, and though their is some duplication of materials, it serves the purpose of making the reference more accessible and user-friendly rather than havinga cross-referencing scheme.Perhaps, the other user might be right in pointing out that the CD-ROM might be better suited for some users.I have an affinity for the printed matter and the organization makes things relatively easy to find.Though, it is available online for free.

Hard to Use
The book itself is amazing, and is a most for anyone studying the constitution or constitutional law.However, the Cd-rom version is signifacantly easier to use, and a lot cheaper.Plus there is no real reason to buy the CD or Book because the whole thing is on at the Chicago University webpage for free.But, if you need some sort of hard copy, go with the CD

Invaluable Resource
This 5-volume set is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the historical context of the U.S. Constitution.The editors have divided the Constitution up clause by clause.For each section they provide primary, explanatory materials such as letters, records of debates, and early case law.These resources reveal what the writers of the Constitution intended with the language they chose and how that langauge was orginally interpreted.The editors also provide interesting materials on early English law, showing the legal backdrop the Founders worked against.Read more

Subjects:  1. Constitutional history    2. Constitutions    3. Law    4. Political Science    5. Politics/International Relations    6. Sources    7. United States    8. American history: c 1500 to c 1800    9. Constitution: government & the state    10. Constitutional & administrative law    11. Modern period, c 1500 onwards    12. USA   

Reviews (24)

Jim Jones lives...
The issue of how best to govern a nation is of great importance and should be explored through intellectual, logical debate.Dahl's book does not carry the weight this topic deserves because he entirely avoids exposure of the logical constructs from which his conclusions stem.
No example for the world
Dahl's fine book attacks the American Constitution and system of government for each of the following undemocratic features, most of them totally unique to the US among the world's advanced democracies, and all very rare.
A writer unqualified for his declared task
Mr Dahl claims he does not intend to propose changes to the Constitution, but, rather, changes in how we think about it. Since he appears ignorant of his subject, I find him unqualified to suggest either.
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Subjects:  1. Constitutional    2. General    3. Government - U.S. Government    4. History & Theory - General    5. Political Science    6. Politics / Current Events    7. Politics/International Relations    8. Constitution: government & the state    9. Constitutional & administrative law    10. Political Science / History & Theory    11. Political structures: democracy    12. USA   

Subjects:  1. Cases    2. Constitutional    3. Constitutional Law    4. Constitutional history    5. Constitutions    6. Legal Reference / Law Profession    7. Political Science    8. Political questions and judici    9. Political questions and judicial power    10. Politics/International Relations    11. U.S. Constitutional History    12. United States    13. Constitutional & administrative law    14. Courts & procedure    15. POLITICS & GOVERNMENT    16. USA   

Subjects:  1. General    2. International Relations - General    3. Political Science    4. Politics/International Relations    5. Sociology    6. Constitution: government & the state    7. Political Science / History & Theory    8. Political science & theory   

Reviews (1)

For Quick Review This Pocket Guide is very useful
I found this pcoket guide very useful and handy when traying to recall the segments of the US Constitution. It is handy to have during discussions when you need the correct wording of the articles. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's All Ages - Legal Reference    2. Children's Books/Young Adult Misc. Nonfiction    3. Constitutional    4. Constitutions    5. History    6. History: American    7. Interpretation and construction    8. Law    9. Reference    10. Social Science - Politics & Government    11. United States    12. United States - General    13. History / United States / General    14. History, American   

Subjects:  1. Early works to 1800    2. General    3. History & Surveys - Medieval    4. History & Theory - General    5. Literature: Folklore/Mythology    6. Philosophy    7. Political Ideologies - Communism & Socialism    8. Political Science    9. Utopias    10. Constitution: government & the state    11. Literary Collections / General    12. Other prose: 16th to 18th centuries   

Reviews (22)

Terrific Historical Narrative
I first read this book several years ago for my high school American History class, and I just recently read it again. This book is excellent no matter what your age or understanding of U.S. History. One of its greatest advantages is that its narrative style makes the story of the Constitution so accessible. It is clear and easy to read; however, it does give a complete and thorough treatment of why the document was needed; the ideas and compromises that went into the document, and the debates that shaped the Constitution. Finally, the book is clearly, excellently based upon James Madison's notes from the Convention itself. All in all, an outstanding book for high school and college students, and anyone else interested.

Fabulous!
A breathtaking account! Includes countless historical facts told in an easy-to-read manner. One of my top five favorite books!

Useful But Not Comprehensive
They say you shouldn't judge a book by its cover but in this case you can tell a lot about the book just from its title. You can't expect any kind of objective commentary from something with the gushing title of "Miracle at Philadelphia". Ms Bowen's work is another in the long tradition of encouraging worship of rather than understanding of the Founding Fathers.
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Subjects:  1. (1787)    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    3. Constitutional    4. Constitutional Convention    5. Constitutional history    6. General    7. History - General History    8. History: World    9. Juvenile Nonfiction    10. United States    11. United States - Colonial Period    12. United States.    13. American history: c 1500 to c 1800    14. Constitution: government & the state    15. History / General    16. Pennsylvania    17. c 1700 to c 1800   

Subjects:  1. Great Britain    2. Politics and government    3. Representative government and    4. United States   

Reviews (2)

Superb
A very well-written book showing in detail how US history from the Revolution through 1860 was dominated by southerners bent on defending and expanding the inhumane institution of slavery. These thugs--such as Jefferson, Monroe, Calhoun--were willing to undermine liberty and democratic principles in order to maintain slavery at the expense of blacks and whites throughout the country. It takes off the varnish of mythology of some national leaders and shows the South for what it really was--a violent, brutal and undemocratic place.

Powerful, absorbing account of South's stranglehold
This is an extremely engrossing history of the (virtual) stranglehold the South maintained on the US government from the birth of America until the election of Abraham Lincoln.It is also on account of the efforts by post-war southern historians to cover up the central fact of slavery as the dominating motive in the South's wish for control.I first heard of this book when I read a (highly complimentary) review of it by James McPherson, author of Battle Cry of Freedom.If you like McPherson's book, this will seem in many ways like a "prequel," filling in the story of the run-up to the Civil War in greater depth than McPherson could devote (though he did a great job on that, too).This book blows away alot of the "Gone With The Wind" fairy tales about the South before the war, and shows, convincingly and absorbingly, the Southern States' governments conscious (and for many decades, entirely successfull) attempts to maintain its slavery interests at the expense of the North and , of course, the slaves.When the South could no longer impose its will, it opted for war.Like McPherson's writings, Alan Nolan's Lee Considered, Thomas Connelly's The Marble Man and the writings of Gary Gallagher, this book helps do away with the "Moonlight & Magnolias" view of the South that was so prevalent up until the 1950's and, for some Civil War buffs, is the only reason for their interest.Too, Leonard Richards can write, so the reading of this book is a pleasure right up there with enjoyment of the argument.I think it will appear to all general readers interested in unravelling the complexities of the Civil War and our early history.Unlike so many awful books on the Civil War, this book is intellectually stimulating. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. United States    2. Political activity    3. United States - 19th Century    4. History - U.S.    5. Southern States    6. Slavery    7. Political aspects    8. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - Histor    9. United States - 18th Century    10. American history: c 1500 to c 1800    11. American history: c 1800 to c 1900    12. Constitution: government & the state    13. Slavery & emancipation    14. USA    15. c 1700 to c 1800    16. c 1800 to c 1900    17. United States - General    18. 18th century    19. Slaveholders    20. History    21. History: American    22. 19th century   

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Constitutions    3. History    4. History - General History    5. History: American    6. Labor & Industrial Relations - Unions    7. Labor unions    8. United States    9. United States - General    10. American history: from c 1900 -    11. Economic history    12. Political Science / Constitutions    13. Trade unions    14. USA   

Reviews (2)

Thomas Jefferson, slave master, slave trader
Biographers of Jefferson and historians of the American Revolution have a dilemma, resulting in the inspirational dayglow treatment of their subject. Why should should anyone in pursuit of the facts have a dilemma, the facts speak for themselves? This is an invaluable portrait in greyer hues and contains the delete button data in its two chapters on Jefferson beside a detailed and very interesting history of the slavery debate in the period of the Constitution. Since Jefferson was a man of his time and yet also a man in an extraordinary time almost out of time, the paradox finds what we might expect, a man blocked and buffered in a semi-conscious state of contradiction. Skip Nietzsche, here's the dull reality: in a strange way the realization Jefferson was 'multi-phrenic' rescues Jeckyll here. Yet this makes Jefferson interesting in a different way, in a very useful book (that won't make the bestseller lists). Good piece, fascinating. Ironically rescued Jefferson from my nervous disbelief in many yankee doodle treatments. Makes him fascinating all over again.

Possibly Definitive?
Unlike most historians who consider slavery as an unfortunate sidebar to the ideological and political foundations of America, Finkelman boldy places slavery at the center of America's founding. Beginning with the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and continuing through to Jefferson's Declaration of Independence, his views on race and slavery, and his relationship to a woman enslaved to him (Sally Hemings), Finkelman makes a very valid argument that the "traditional" political leadership of the Jeffersonian era was perpetually - not occasionally - in debate about the issue of slavery, with most of those leaders falling on the pro-slavery side of the argument. The real value of the book is Finkelman's two chapters on Jefferson, whose political influence and opinion where nearly as revered by his peers as they are by contemporary early American historians. While noted historians such as Dumas Malone, Joseph Ellis, and Merrill Peterson have stretched the bounds of interpretation of the few seemingly anti-slavery comments Jefferson made or wrote in order to cast him as the unfortunate victim of an institution which he disliked, Finkelman is one of the first to put all of Jefferson's views on slavery and race - the few that seem anti-slavery, the majority that are anti-black, all of which are contradictory - together in one place, IN THEIR PROPER CONTEXT, up for public scrutiny. For anyone wanting an approach to understanding Jefferson's true views on slavery - based on the historical evidence - this is the book to start and, for now, end with. I didn't give it five stars because its focus is kind of narrow, but that could be because Finkelman has done such a great job of narrowing his focus and successfully arguing his understanding of "Race and Liberty in the Age of Jefferson." ... Read more

Subjects:  1. History    2. History - U.S.    3. History: American    4. Law and legislation    5. Political History    6. Slavery    7. United States    8. United States - Revolutionary War    9. Constitution: government & the state    10. Slavery & emancipation    11. USA