Our Undemocratic Constitution: Where the Constitution Goes Wrong (And How We the People Can Correct It)

As another reviewer wrote, the problem with the book may be that it was written by a lawyer in the style of law-school teaching. I recommend another book, Life Without Lawyers, by Philip K. Howard. At a "town hall" conducted by my state senator a few years ago, I told her that the state legislature would be much improved if every member had an engineer (like me, of course) at his/her elbow. The U.S. Constitution was a good (but highly imperfect) start in 1789, but subsequent generations of lawmakers have since ruined all that was initially good about it and added more stuff that is imperfect at best. Every one of those lawmakers had a bunch of lawyers (and lobbyists) at his/her disposal, but paid little or no attention to scientists, engineers, logisticians, or any other professionals who weren't tainted by the presence of a lawyer on a corporate retainer (either officially or covertly).Levinson wrote another book: Framed: Our 51 constitutions and the Crisis of Governance, and he again missed the point, which IMHO is that no state constitution is aligned with any other constitution. None of them is worth a hoot, anyway, because the lawyers have screwed them all up at the bidding of the richest 1%. The American people in general are a flock of sheep waiting to be shorn.

Great book! I just devoured it in a few hours. Levinson reminds us that at the age of 73, Thomas Jefferson noted that "some men look at constitutions with sanctimonious reverence and treat them like the Ark of the Covenant, too sacred to be touched. They ascribe to the men of the preceding age a wisdom more than human, and suppose what they did to be beyond amendment." Jefferson also suggested that we should "think about" revising the constitution about every 19 years to coincide with the arrival of a new generation.After reading this book I had a palpable sense that our Founding Fathers would be disappointed in our stewardship of their remarkable work. Instead of worshipping the Constitution, we're responsible for maintaining it - during their lifetimes they actively amended the Constitution but they can't do that anymore.Today, as we ask Supreme Court justices to extract 21st century meaning from 18th century passages, it helps to have courageous visionaries like Sanford Levinson remind us that "We" are still "the People."

Echoing other positive reviewers, I found the book well-written and thoughtful despite the fact that I don't agree with all Professor Levinson's specific criticisms of the Constitution nor some of the changes he indicates he would favor. It does seem clear that it is past time to evaluate the work of the Founding Fathers and make changes based on our real-world experience with their handiwork. My main disappointment is that Professor Levinson evidently gave up. The last entry on the blog he references in the book is in 2008. No groundswell arose for a Constitutional Convention which he hoped for in 2008, so that's it? A bit of a let-down.

Although written before our current problems with elections, officials’ legally questionable actions and failures are shown to be latent in the structure of the Constitution. They were lurking in wait and now haunt us severely. This well written book would have been scary when it came into print. It is now more frightening since we can identify the damage and suffering it shouted about.

-Levinson writes frankly and concisely, presenting reasoned considerations for constitutional reform.-this book is an excellent starting point for anyone who is politically inclined

Haven't read it yet, but i've heard from other people that it's a great read. I'll find out sooner or later when i get to reading it. :)  Our Undemocratic Constitution: Where the Constitution Goes Wrong (And How We the People Can Correct It)

I bought this product as "used-good" but what i did not expect was the dented sides and writing throughout the book. I understood i was buying a used product and expected some wear and tear but this item definitely should not have been classified as good due to the extensive pencil markings on every single page.

The founding fathers gave us the ability to amend the constitution periodically when certain problems arise. However, In this day and age we seem to believe that the Constitution DARE NOT BE TOUCHED! Thus several problems fester, and only catastrophy or crisis can spark change.

I learnt a lot from the book , as a British reader first influenced by the making of the president. I also believe all the issues are relevant , as concerns a democratic government with meaningful roles for the legislature, the executive and the executive. As another starting point, I would suggest focusing on why the separation of powers was embraced in the eighteenth century. In a time of corvid19, the illusory, but also ethical, nature of political choice , demands debate. As also the call to a hopefully neutral science which is sadly lacking.

I was greatly impressed by Levinson's evident passion and admiration for the US Constitution, whilst seeking to argue its flaws. Levinson discusses problems with the Article V amendment process, Presidential fixed terms, and Judicial Appointments among others.Levinson's historical analysis shows that many of his same criticisms were made when the Constitution was being drafted. But there was far less concern with its flaws in 1787. After all, it was a document designed to last no greater than 19 years (Jefferson), drafted for a population a hundred times smaller than today.Particularly useful for me (writing a dissertation on comparative constitutional theory and practice - between British flexibility and American rigidity) were Levinson's 'American observations' on British law and politics, providing practical examples of where and how the British Constitution (rather surprisingly) provides greater democratic protection than its American counterpart. All in all, an excellent read.