Fault Lines in the Constitution (Third Edition): The Framers, Their Fights, and the Flaws that Affect Us Today

Ages 10 And Up, Grades 5 And Up

Many of the political issues we struggle with today have their roots in the US Constitution. This book explores 21 of the fault lines that were created in 1787 and are still causing problems today.

This revised edition of an essential book on the U. S. Constitution offers insight for everyone grappling with today's most urgent political issues. Many of us take certain features in our system for granted, even when we complain about them. But in fact, they are the result of bitter haggling in an overheated room in 1787—and we’re still experiencing the ramifications.

Fault Lines in the Constitution takes readers back to the creation of this historic document and discusses the original intent and worldview of the Framers, when and how problems arose after the fact, and possible solutions for those problems, inspired by both constitutions of US states and other countries. Each chapter begins with a story—all but one of them true—that connects directly back to a section of the document that forms the basis of our society and government.

Written by an award-winning middle grade author and a constitutional law scholar, this new edition has been revised to reflect political and social changes leading up to and following the 2024 national election, this new edition will include updated content throughout, two new chapters on Impeachment and Secession, and significant expansion of the chapters on Emergency Powers and Term Limits.

About the Author

Cynthia Levinson is a Robert F. Sibert Medalist and author of nonfiction picture and middle grade books. A former teacher and educational policy consultant and researcher, she holds degrees from Wellesley College and Harvard University.

Author Residence: Austin, Texas & Boston, Massachusetts

Author Hometown: Columbus, Ohio

Sanford Levinson is an American legal scholar and a professor at the University of Texas Law School. He holds degrees from Duke, Stanford, and Harvard universities and is the author of several books for adults on the Constitution. He also writes frequently for a variety of newspapers, magazines, and blogs.

Illustrator Residence:Austin, Texas & Boston, Massachusetts

Illustrator Hometown:Hendersonville, North Carolina