What is the Constitution?

In 1783, thirteen American colonies officially became states in an independent nation after winning the Revolutionary War against Great Britain. However, this newfound freedom brought unexpected challenges. The states struggled to unite, with many citizens identifying more strongly with their individual state than with the United States as a whole. What is the Constitution? explores how the United States addressed these challenges and created a document that would unify the nation. 

In the summer of 1787, fifty-five elected men from twelve states met in Philadelphia with the goal of revising the Articles of Confederation—the United States’ first constitution. These men faced weighty questions: “Who decided if the United States would go to war again? What powers should be given to the head of government?” With the nation’s future in their hands, they wrote a new, more effective constitution. 

Demuth introduces readers to the framers of the Constitution, including John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, and George Washington. While Washington and Franklin are described as bringing a sense of “calm and dignity,” Madison is portrayed as being “no bigger than a half piece of soap. Yet his intellect impressed all who knew him.” Young readers may recognize these historical figures and enjoy hearing more about their different personalities and contributions. 

The book is organized into nine chapters, each delving into different aspects of the Constitution’s creation. Chapter three, for instance, discusses the rules the delegates established to ensure a respectful and productive debate. One important rule required secrecy, allowing delegates to speak freely without fear of public backlash. Another rule allowed delegates to change their minds after voting, encouraging open discussion and repeated debate. This chapter not only explains how the Constitution was formed but also teaches readers the value of discussion and compromise—skills that remain relevant today.  

In addition to the main chapters, the book includes two supplementary sections titled “Photographs” and “Timelines.” The “Photographs” section features portraits of key figures, paintings of the Constitutional Convention, and images related to the era, helping visual learners imagine what the experience may have been like. The timeline begins in 1787, when delegates arrived in Philadelphia, and extends into the 1870s, highlighting key amendments such as the Fifteenth Amendment, which granted African American men the right to vote. This section provides readers with a clear and accessible overview of the Constitution’s lasting impact. 

What is the Constitution? is an engaging and informative book for young readers interested in American history and government. By combining clear explanations, historical storytelling, and helpful visuals, Demuth presents a complex topic in an accessible and meaningful way. Understanding the Constitution is essential for everyone because it remains the foundation of American democracy and protects our fundamental rights. This document governs how our government operates, defines the relationship between citizens and their leaders, and establishes the principles of freedom and justice that shape daily life. By learning about the Constitution’s creation and purpose, readers gain the knowledge needed to participate as informed citizens who understand their rights and responsibilities. This book makes that vital learning both enjoyable and achievable for young minds. To more fully understand this time period, read Forgotten Founders: Black Patriots, Women Soldiers, and Other Thinkers and Heroes Who Shaped Early America. You can also explore Sneak Peek’s reviews on other books about the American Revolution, George Washington, and other aspects of early American history.  

Sexual Content  

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Violence  

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Drugs and Alcohol  

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Language  

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Supernatural  

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Spiritual Content  

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by Madeline Hettrick