Fault lines in the Constitution The framers, their fights, and the flaws that affect us today

When the Levinsons first introduced Fault Lines in the Constitution in 2017, it instantly became a go-to resource for its comprehensive and accessible treatment of the Constitution. Following an introduction to the preamble that explains how weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation led to a stronger Constitution, topical chapters encompass such wide-ranging subjects as presidential vetoes, gerrymandering, the electoral college, and habeas corpus. Controversial news events and court cases kick off each discussion, which links history with modern-day interpretations of the Constitution. Flashbacks help readers understand the framers' intent and concerns related to democracy as well as the Constitution's successes and failures. Because events in the U.S. are always evolving, this third edition includes new material related to the 2024 election and Trump's return as president, plus two new chapters on impeachment and secession. The impeachment chapter begins with an overview of Andrew Johnson's impeachment and then describes how the framers' fear of tyranny led them to put a process for removing a president in the Constitution. It also addresses the more recent impeachments of Bill Clinton and Donald Trump. Secession, on the other hand, isn't mentioned in the Constitution, but this chapter identifies ways that states, especially in our increasingly fractured country, could secede anyway. The Levinsons prove once again that an examination of the Constitution is always timely and relevant.