“Narrative; celebratory history at its purest†(Publishers Weekly)—the real story of how the Bill of Rights came to be: a vivid account of political strategy; big egos; and the partisan interests that set the terms of the ongoing contest between the federal government and the states.Those who argue that the Bill of Rights reflects the founding fathers’ “original intent†are wrong. The Bill of Rights was actually a brilliant political act executed by James Madison to preserve the Constitution; the federal government; and the latter’s authority over the states. In the skilled hands of award-winning historian Carol Berkin; the story of the founders’ fight over the Bill of Rights comes alive in a drama full of partisanship; clashing egos; and cunning manipulation. In 1789; the nation faced a great divide around a question still unanswered today: should broad power and authority reside in the federal government or should it reside in state governments? The Bill of Rights; from protecting religious freedom to the people’s right to bear arms; was a political ploy first and a matter of principle second. The truth of how and why Madison came to devise this plan; the debates it caused in the Congress; and its ultimate success is more engrossing than any of the myths that shroud our national beginnings. The debate over the Bill of Rights still continues through many Supreme Court decisions. By pulling back the curtain on the short-sighted and self-interested intentions of the founding fathers; Berkin reveals the anxiety many felt that the new federal government might not survive—and shows that the true “original intent†of the Bill of Rights was simply to oppose the Antifederalists who hoped to diminish the government’s powers. This book is “a highly readable American history lesson that provides a deeper understanding of the Bill of Rights; the fears that generated it; and the miracle of the amendments†(Kirkus Reviews).
#289813 in Books imusti 2016-05-24 2016-06-07Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.30 x 1.00 x 6.20l; .0 #File Name: 1473856116240 pagesPEN SWORD BOOKS
Review
35 of 35 people found the following review helpful. I enjoyed this exciting readBy T StockwellThis book; written from the perspective of a German Soldier captured by the Russians at Stalingrad; is an incredible adventure story told by the actual soldier--how anyone could have survived such an ordeal is beyond me. Alber Holl writes in a descriptive; intense but believable manner. His story is heartbreaking but gives one hope to tackle any situation. I enjoyed this exciting read. I recommend it to anyone.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Great book. People look at Stalingrad and think only ...By Raymond S. CarterGreat book. People look at Stalingrad and think only about Nazis getting what they had coming but these guys were just menfollowing orders in an army like any other men. Over 100;000 men were captured and only 5000 made it home after the treatmentby the Russians.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Sad part of Geman historyBy Lisa HubbardI think this was well written; but many details were repetitive. I certainly felt the pain and the uncertainty the German soldiers went through on a daily basis. I have respect for those men and women who returned to their homeland many years after the war ended. I think it says something of the human spirit to survive.Ultimately; this last chapter of the war was a bad decision made by a deranged leader at the expense of many conscripts and in the end the German people paid as well. This is a good read and I would recommend it as it covers the end of the war and prisoner life. In the end; no one really won.
