U.S. Constitution for dummies / by Michael Arnheim, foreword by Ted Cruz.

Includes index.

Walks readers through the Constitutional text, discussing how various articles and amendments have guided legislators and judges, sparked ongoing debates, and continue to influence Americans' lives.

Constitutional law : the framework for governance -- Framing the U.S. Constitution : big thinkers, big thoughts -- Debating the Constitution -- Introducing the Constitution! The preamble and the seven articles -- Amending versus interpreting the Constitution : taking time for change -- Scrutinizing sovereignty : who rules America? -- Federalism : forming one out of many -- Separation of powers : to each his own -- Doing business : the commerce clause -- Looking at the role of commander in chief -- Giving everyone a voice : the House of Representatives and Senate -- "During good behaviour" : the judicial system -- You're fired! Investigating the impeachment process -- The First Amendment : freedom of religion, speech, and assembly -- The Second Amendment : bearing arms -- The Third and Fourth Amendments : protecting citizens from government forces -- Taking the Fifth, and a bit of the Fourteenth -- Dealing with justice and individual rights : the Sixth through Eighth Amendments -- The Ninth and Tenth Amendments : leaving things up to the people and states -- States' rights, elections, and slavery : the Eleventh through Thirteenth Amendments -- The Fourteenth Amendment : ensuring equal protection -- Starts, stops, and clarifications : amendments since 1870 -- Ten landmark constitutional cases -- Ten influential Supreme Court justices -- Two side of five constitutional conundrums -- Appendix : Constitution of the United States of America.