Description
Book SynopsisThe American Bill of Rights is . . . a magic mirror, writes Bernard Schwartz, wherein we see reflected not only our lives, but the whole pageant of Anglo-American constitutional development and all that those struggles have meant in the history of freedom. Perhaps the finest short history of the Bill of Rights ever written, this is an updated, expanded version of the classic. The author has added an afterword that brings the history of what Madison called the great rights of mankind through the Rehnquist court, making this an invaluable study.
Trade ReviewSchwartz's work reflects meticulous research into original sources, an inquiry that is so essential to a clear understanding of the meaning of the Constitution. -- William J. Brennan Jr.
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Preface Chapter 2 English Antecedents Chapter 3 Colonial Charters and Laws Chapter 4 Revolutionary Declarations and Constitutions Chapter 5 Confederation and Constitution Chapter 6 State Ratifying Conventions Chapter 7 The Great Rights Secured Chapter 8 The Bill of Rights in Operation Chapter 9 Afterword Chapter 10 Appendix A: Amendments Proposed by Madison, June 8, 1789 Chapter 11 Appendix B: Amendments Reported by House Select Committee, July 28, 1789 Chapter 12 Appendix C: Amendments Passed by House of Representatives, August 24, 1789 Chapter 13 Appendix D: Amendments Passed by Senate, September 9, 1789 Chapter 14 Appendix E: Amendments Passed by Congress, September 25, 1789 Chapter 15 Notes Chapter 16 Index