Rewriting the United States Constitution: An Examination of Proposals from Reconstruction to the Present

(Hardback)

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Since the Reconstruction period, there have been over forty proposals to rewrite the U.S. Constitution. John Vile's unique historical study analyzes all of these proposals within the framework of the constitutional amending process. In each case Vile examines the substance of the proposal, its goals and methods, the response to the proposal, and its overall influence--concluding that the Constitution in its current form faces no immediate threats. He finds no convincing cases for a new Constitution and believes that most perceived defects can be remedied with less drastic measures. The study illuminates issues of constitutional change, stressing the importance of understanding alternative forms of government and the basis for their support. While immediate change is not likely, constitutional change will ultimately come, and when it does, earlier criticisms and suggestions may help to set the agenda. Proposals for change are critiques which help to identify strengths and weaknesses in the current system. In addition, examinations of past proposals reveal how people view the Constitution during crises. This work will be particularly useful for political scientists, historians, lawyers, and individuals interested in, or involved with, efforts for constitutional change.

Reviews

Vile has been a scholar of the constitutional amending process for over a decade and has published extensively in the field of public law. He thus is well prepared to write this volume. Basically, Vile focuses on the process for formally amending the US constitution, including the history of the amending mechanism. The remainder of the book approaches the process from a historical perspective, beginning with the post-Civil War Reconstruction period and continuing until modern times. The author focuses not only on the various proposed amendments but also on some of the key personalities that have been involved in these attempts. The material is very well documented with ample footnotes, and the bibliography is very strong. The approach is objective and straightforward and Vile does not appear to have any ideological ax to grind. . . . Upper-division undergraduates and above.-Choice
"Vile has been a scholar of the constitutional amending process for over a decade and has published extensively in the field of public law. He thus is well prepared to write this volume. Basically, Vile focuses on the process for formally amending the US constitution, including the history of the amending mechanism. The remainder of the book approaches the process from a historical perspective, beginning with the post-Civil War Reconstruction period and continuing until modern times. The author focuses not only on the various proposed amendments but also on some of the key personalities that have been involved in these attempts. The material is very well documented with ample footnotes, and the bibliography is very strong. The approach is objective and straightforward and Vile does not appear to have any ideological ax to grind. . . . Upper-division undergraduates and above."-Choice

Author Bio

JOHN R. VILE is Professor and Chairman of the Political Science Department at Middle Tennessee State University, where he specializes in U.S. constitutional law. He has written about the amending process for more than ten years.