
The Constitution
An Introduction
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
$0.99/mo for the first 3 months

Buy for $30.08
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Walter Dixon
About this listen
From war powers to health care, freedom of speech to gun ownership, religious liberty to abortion, practically every aspect of American life is shaped by the Constitution. This vital document, along with its history of political and judicial interpretation, governs our individual lives and the life of our nation. Yet most of us know surprisingly little about the Constitution itself, and are woefully unprepared to think for ourselves about recent developments in its long and storied history.
The Constitution: An Introduction is the definitive modern primer on the US Constitution. Michael Stokes Paulsen, one of the nation's most provocative and accomplished scholars of the Constitution, and his son Luke Paulsen, a gifted young writer and lay scholar, have combined to write a lively introduction to the supreme law of the United States, covering the Constitution's history and meaning in clear, accessible terms.
Beginning with the Constitution's birth in 1787, Paulsen and Paulsen offer a grand tour of its provisions, principles, and interpretation, introducing listeners to the characters and controversies that have shaped the Constitution in the 200-plus years since its creation. Along the way, the authors provide correctives to the shallow myths and partial truths that pervade so much popular treatment of the Constitution, from school textbooks to media accounts of today's controversies, and offer powerful insights into the Constitution's true meaning.
A lucid and engaging guide, The Constitution: An Introduction provides listeners with the tools to think critically and independently about constitutional issues - a skill that is ever more essential to the continued flourishing of American democracy.
©2015 Michael Stokes Paulsen and Luke Paulsen (P)2015 Gildan Media LLCListeners also enjoyed...
-
Law School for Everyone: Constitutional Law
- By: Eric Berger, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Eric Berger
- Length: 6 hrs and 28 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Americans wage many of today’s fiercest policy debates and culture wars over constitutional meaning. It’s because constitutional law is so fundamental to our democracy that law schools across the country teach the subject. It's the area of law that determines what federal and state governments are permitted to do, and what rights you have as an individual citizen of the US. Here, you'll get the same accessible, well-rounded introduction to constitutional law as a typical law student - but with the added benefit of noted constitutional scholar Eric Berger's brilliant insights.
-
-
Read with this Neil Gorsuch!
- By Amazon Customer on 02-03-20
By: Eric Berger, and others
-
The Constitution and the Declaration of Independence
- A Pocket Constitution
- By: The Founding Fathers, Paul B. Skousen, Izzard Ink Publishing
- Narrated by: Mark Deakins
- Length: 2 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This is the book you want to keep with you at all times: the full text of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, the two documents that are the backbone of United States government. Hearing them as they were written is a must for every American. Regular listening is required for any historian or member of the legal profession, and a good idea for all Americans.
-
-
Not for fake Americans.
- By James C. Buckner on 06-29-20
By: The Founding Fathers, and others
-
The American Constitution 101
- By: David L. Hudson
- Narrated by: David L. Hudson
- Length: 9 hrs and 46 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A captivating 24-lecture audio series on the US Constitution by award-winning law professor David L. Hudson Jr. Written more than 200 years ago, the Constitution remains the backbone of American government and an example of freedom and democracy the world over. Once called the “Miracle at Philadelphia,” it remains America’s vital governing force today. Your audio course will begin in the summer of 1787, as the Founding Fathers met to revise the Articles of Confederation, then explore the ratification process and James Madison’s championing of the Bill of Rights.
-
-
The Content is worth the listen
- By Johnny on 03-19-20
By: David L. Hudson
-
Law 101
- Everything You Need to Know About American Law
- By: Jay M. Feinman
- Narrated by: Joe Barrett
- Length: 16 hrs and 24 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Here is an exceptionally clear introduction to law, covering the main subjects found in the first year of law school, giving us a basic understanding of how it all works. Listeners are introduced to every aspect of the legal system, from constitutional law and the litigation process to tort law, contract law, property law, and criminal law. Feinman illuminates each discussion with many intriguing, outrageous, and infamous cases.
-
-
Solid Review of the 1L Curriculum
- By Jami on 08-29-16
By: Jay M. Feinman
-
The Federalist Papers
- By: Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay
- Narrated by: Arthur Morey
- Length: 19 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Originally published anonymously, The Federalist Papers first appeared in 1787 as a series of letters to New York newspapers exhorting voters to ratify the proposed Constitution of the United States. Still hotly debated and open to often controversial interpretations, the arguments first presented here by three of America's greatest patriots and political theorists were created during a critical moment in our nation's history.
-
-
Changes key words and concepts from the original
- By Some guy on 08-14-20
By: Alexander Hamilton, and others
-
The Words That Made Us
- America's Constitutional Conversation, 1760-1840
- By: Akhil Reed Amar
- Narrated by: Fajer Al-Kaisi
- Length: 27 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In The Words That Made Us, Akhil Reed Amar unites history and law in a vivid narrative of the biggest constitutional questions early Americans confronted, and he expertly assesses the answers they offered. His account of the document's origins and consolidation is a guide for anyone seeking to properly understand America's Constitution today.
-
-
And the words that made Us
- By Anonymous User on 10-17-22
By: Akhil Reed Amar
-
Law School for Everyone: Constitutional Law
- By: Eric Berger, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Eric Berger
- Length: 6 hrs and 28 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Americans wage many of today’s fiercest policy debates and culture wars over constitutional meaning. It’s because constitutional law is so fundamental to our democracy that law schools across the country teach the subject. It's the area of law that determines what federal and state governments are permitted to do, and what rights you have as an individual citizen of the US. Here, you'll get the same accessible, well-rounded introduction to constitutional law as a typical law student - but with the added benefit of noted constitutional scholar Eric Berger's brilliant insights.
-
-
Read with this Neil Gorsuch!
- By Amazon Customer on 02-03-20
By: Eric Berger, and others
-
The Constitution and the Declaration of Independence
- A Pocket Constitution
- By: The Founding Fathers, Paul B. Skousen, Izzard Ink Publishing
- Narrated by: Mark Deakins
- Length: 2 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This is the book you want to keep with you at all times: the full text of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, the two documents that are the backbone of United States government. Hearing them as they were written is a must for every American. Regular listening is required for any historian or member of the legal profession, and a good idea for all Americans.
-
-
Not for fake Americans.
- By James C. Buckner on 06-29-20
By: The Founding Fathers, and others
-
The American Constitution 101
- By: David L. Hudson
- Narrated by: David L. Hudson
- Length: 9 hrs and 46 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A captivating 24-lecture audio series on the US Constitution by award-winning law professor David L. Hudson Jr. Written more than 200 years ago, the Constitution remains the backbone of American government and an example of freedom and democracy the world over. Once called the “Miracle at Philadelphia,” it remains America’s vital governing force today. Your audio course will begin in the summer of 1787, as the Founding Fathers met to revise the Articles of Confederation, then explore the ratification process and James Madison’s championing of the Bill of Rights.
-
-
The Content is worth the listen
- By Johnny on 03-19-20
By: David L. Hudson
-
Law 101
- Everything You Need to Know About American Law
- By: Jay M. Feinman
- Narrated by: Joe Barrett
- Length: 16 hrs and 24 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Here is an exceptionally clear introduction to law, covering the main subjects found in the first year of law school, giving us a basic understanding of how it all works. Listeners are introduced to every aspect of the legal system, from constitutional law and the litigation process to tort law, contract law, property law, and criminal law. Feinman illuminates each discussion with many intriguing, outrageous, and infamous cases.
-
-
Solid Review of the 1L Curriculum
- By Jami on 08-29-16
By: Jay M. Feinman
-
The Federalist Papers
- By: Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay
- Narrated by: Arthur Morey
- Length: 19 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Originally published anonymously, The Federalist Papers first appeared in 1787 as a series of letters to New York newspapers exhorting voters to ratify the proposed Constitution of the United States. Still hotly debated and open to often controversial interpretations, the arguments first presented here by three of America's greatest patriots and political theorists were created during a critical moment in our nation's history.
-
-
Changes key words and concepts from the original
- By Some guy on 08-14-20
By: Alexander Hamilton, and others
-
The Words That Made Us
- America's Constitutional Conversation, 1760-1840
- By: Akhil Reed Amar
- Narrated by: Fajer Al-Kaisi
- Length: 27 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In The Words That Made Us, Akhil Reed Amar unites history and law in a vivid narrative of the biggest constitutional questions early Americans confronted, and he expertly assesses the answers they offered. His account of the document's origins and consolidation is a guide for anyone seeking to properly understand America's Constitution today.
-
-
And the words that made Us
- By Anonymous User on 10-17-22
By: Akhil Reed Amar
-
How to Read the Constitution - and Why
- By: Kim Wehle
- Narrated by: Kim Wehle
- Length: 9 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Constitution is the most significant document in America. But do you fully understand what this valuable document means to you? In How to Read the Constitution - and Why, legal expert and educator Kimberly Wehle spells out in clear, simple, and common-sense terms what is in the Constitution and most importantly, what it means. In compelling terms and including text from the United States Constitution, she describes how the Constitution’s protections are eroding.
-
-
very biased
- By Anonymous User on 01-25-20
By: Kim Wehle
-
Our Republican Constitution
- Securing the Liberty and Sovereignty of We the People
- By: Randy E. Barnett
- Narrated by: Barry Abrams
- Length: 9 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Constitution of the United States begins with the words "we the people". But from the earliest days of the American republic, there have been two competing notions of "the people", which led to two very different visions of the Constitution. Those who view "we the people" collectively think popular sovereignty resides in the people as a group, which leads them to favor a democratic constitution that allows the will of the people to be expressed by majority rule
-
-
Read the book, don't listen
- By I Keep AMZN in Business on 06-23-16
By: Randy E. Barnett
-
The Birth of Classical Europe
- A History from Troy to Augustine
- By: Simon Price, Peter Thonemann
- Narrated by: Don Hagen
- Length: 14 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
To an extraordinary extent we continue to live in the shadow of the classical world. At every level, from languages to calendars to political systems, we are the descendants of a “classical Europe,” using frames of reference created by ancient Mediterranean cultures. As this consistently fresh and surprising new audio book makes clear, however, this was no less true for the inhabitants of those classical civilizations themselves, whose myths, history, and buildings were an elaborate engagement with an already old and revered past - one filled with great leaders and writers....
-
-
Excellent overview of the Classical World
- By David I. Williams on 01-12-14
By: Simon Price, and others
-
Without Precedent
- Chief Justice John Marshall and His Times
- By: Joel Richard Paul
- Narrated by: Fred Sanders
- Length: 17 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
No member of America's founding generation had a greater impact on the Constitution and the Supreme Court than John Marshall, and no one did more to preserve the delicate unity of the fledgling United States. From the nation's founding in 1776 and for the next 40 years, Marshall was at the center of every political battle. As Chief Justice of the United States - the longest-serving in history—he established the independence of the judiciary and the supremacy of the federal Constitution and courts.
-
-
Scholarly and Accessible
- By Diana Black Kennedy on 03-01-18
-
The Know Your Bill of Rights Book
- Don't Lose Your Constitutional Rights - Learn Them!
- By: Sean Patrick
- Narrated by: Jeff Justus
- Length: 3 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Do you really want the crooked baby-kissers and fake news to tell you what your rights are? Wouldn’t you rather discover them for yourself? The founders fought tirelessly to guarantee these God-given rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. But let’s face it - the Bill of Rights is hard to understand. Its text is flowery and puzzling. It’s full of legal and political jargon.
-
-
Better than the lessons taught in school!
- By Tony Brenda on 01-27-17
By: Sean Patrick
-
On Palestine
- By: Noam Chomsky, Ilan Pappe
- Narrated by: George Newbern
- Length: 5 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Operation Protective Edge, Israel's 2014 assault on Gaza, left thousands of Palestinians dead and cleared the way for another Israeli land grab. The need to stand in solidarity with Palestinians has never been greater. Ilan Pappe and Noam Chomsky, two leading voices in the struggle to liberate Palestine, discuss the road ahead for Palestinians and how the international community can pressure Israel to end its human rights abuses against the people of Palestine.
-
-
Excellent Introduction/101 Level Book
- By Anonymous User on 10-24-23
By: Noam Chomsky, and others
-
The Broken Constitution
- Lincoln, Slavery, and the Refounding of America
- By: Noah Feldman
- Narrated by: Noah Feldman
- Length: 11 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Abraham Lincoln is justly revered for his brilliance, compassion, humor, and rededication of the United States to achieving liberty and justice for all. He led the nation into a bloody civil war to uphold the system of government established by the US Constitution - a system he regarded as the “last best hope of mankind”. But how did Lincoln understand the Constitution?
-
-
Takes you to Lincoln’s time for a new understanding
- By Jason Cecil on 12-22-21
By: Noah Feldman
-
The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Constitution
- By: Kevin R.C. Gutzman
- Narrated by: Tom Weiner
- Length: 6 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Instead of the system that the Constitution intended, judges have created a system in which bureaucrats and appointed officials make most of the important policies. While the government claims to be a representative republic, somehow hot-button topics from gay marriage to the allocation of Florida's presidential electors always seem to be decided by unelected judges. What gives them the right to decide such issues? The judges say it's the Constitution.
-
-
The best PIG to date
- By Matthew Groom on 05-16-08
-
The Essential Scalia
- On the Constitution, the Courts, and the Rule of Law
- By: Antonin Scalia, Jeffrey S. Sutton - editor, Edward Whelan - editor, and others
- Narrated by: Christopher Scalia, Karen Commins, Jason Culp
- Length: 12 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A justice on the United States Supreme Court for three decades, Antonin Scalia transformed the way that judges, lawyers, and citizens think about the law. The Essential Scalia presents Justice Scalia on his own terms, allowing listeners to understand the reasoning and insights that made him one of the most consequential jurists in American history. Known for his forceful intellect and remarkable wit, Scalia mastered the art of writing in a way that both educated and entertained.
-
-
Great read to introduce Scalia's thought
- By Walter J. Caywood on 10-22-20
By: Antonin Scalia, and others
-
OMG WTF Does the Constitution Actually Say?
- A Non-Boring Guide to How Our Democracy Is Supposed to Work
- By: Ben Sheehan
- Narrated by: Candice Renee, Ben Sheehan
- Length: 4 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Discussing everything from the meaning of the Second Amendment to the stated rules around Supreme Court nominations, Sheehan walks us through the entire Constitution, from its preamble to its final amendment. He also offers a bonus section on the Declaration of Independence. Extra-credit information throughout on things like amendments that were never passed and what powers elected officials actually have, gives listeners all the information they need to be informed and effective voters and citizens.
-
-
Too much opinion
- By Amazon Customer on 06-11-21
By: Ben Sheehan
-
U.S. Constitution for Dummies
- 2nd Edition
- By: Dr. Michael Arnheim
- Narrated by: Dr. Michael Arnheim
- Length: 18 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Want to make sense of the US Constitution? This new edition walks you through this revered document, explaining how the articles and amendments came to be and how they have guided legislators, judges, and presidents - and sparked ongoing debates along the way. You'll get the lowdown on all the big issues - from separation of church and state to impeachment to civil rights - that continue to affect Americans' daily lives. Plus, you'll find out about the different approaches to interpretation and how the document has changed over the past 200+ years.
-
-
Much better than I anticipated.
- By JoEllen LeVitre on 08-30-20
-
The Great Sea
- A Human History of the Mediterranean
- By: David Abulafia
- Narrated by: Jason Culp
- Length: 29 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Ranging from prehistory to the 21st century, The Great Sea is above all the history of human interaction across a region that has brought together many of the great civilizations of antiquity as well as the rival empires of medieval and modern times.
-
-
American Narration at it's Most Disapointing
- By Anonymous User on 03-26-18
By: David Abulafia
What listeners say about The Constitution
Highly rated for:
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Keith Christensen
- 04-12-17
An awesome review of The Constitution
I felt this was a very educational experience to learn so many of the cases that have influenced the interpretation of the Constitution. I was saddened to hear how often the Supreme Court rule against the rights of individuals due to the Prejudices of society.
I was also very happy to hear when they would rule favorably towards the correct rights of u.s. citizens and correct some of the past mistakes.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Ash
- 08-06-18
Excellent
Excellent book. So much information I wish it were longer. Perfect for someone starting out learning about the constitution.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Linda
- 11-09-16
Excellent!!!
Have been listening during the final days of 2016 election. WOW! Will order book to mark/highlight while listening again. Should be mandatory book for high school government classes.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- The Depression Playlist
- 12-10-18
Well Balanced and Detailed
This audiobook was a well-informed and detailed writing on the history and interpretations of the U.S. Constitution. It’s a book I will definitely listen to again.
The reading and quality of the audio was great and easy to clearly understand.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Mike
- 01-09-17
History of the Constitution and its Interpretation
This audiobook follows a mostly chronological path from the Declaration of Independence to the Obama Administration. Focusing on many of the major supreme court decisions and how they were applied and interpreted based on the Constitution.
Overall this audiobook provides an excellent overview of the Constitution that is entertaining and interesting. The only reason I gave it less than 5 stars is due to the authors bias interpretation, although acknowledged, over Roe v. Wade. However, this did not subtract from the overall book.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Ben
- 07-08-24
For any US citizen a MUST read, recomnded for als
This book should really be required reading for all school age students within the US. Without having a grounded and deep understanding of our US Constitution it leaves too much to be misunderstood and blurry in terms of where we came from and where we are going. This book explains so much and give true enlightenment to our special history
Michael and Luke have created an Excellent book on the Constitution which starts from the beginning and explains every foot step in the creating and evolution of the US Constitution and all of it's most important influence, decisions, and outcomes. Without the knowledge shared in this book it's hard to even know what it means to be a US citizen.
I can't recommend this book highly enough and wish that everyone in the US and outside the US would read and enjoy the unique story of not only the US Constitution but a unique origin story for the US and why it is so special in terms of creation and potential.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Robert
- 06-12-15
The Constitution-A must reading for All Americans
What did you love best about The Constitution?
I have many audible books and out of the hundred or so this is the most important book that I have in my library. This authors have presented a overview and evolution of the Constittion or the rule of law in American. Clearly, the Main stream media, Educational System, Far Left Supreme Justices, corrupt politicians in both parties, and the greed of the American Chamber of Commence are constantly undermining the freedoms of We THE PEOPLE have in the Constitution. A must read for all Americans who value INDIVIDUAL FREEDOMS!
What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?
Walter Dixon has a fantastic and compelling voice and raises the narrative to another level.
Which character – as performed by Walter Dixon – was your favorite?
The Constitution is the main character in this book.
Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
You will receive a great overview and evolution of the Constitution in a pleasant, intelligent and entertaining manner.
Any additional comments?
A must read for all Americans who value individual freedoms of We The People. This book will be ridiculed by the Main Stream Medica, Radical Left Democrats, Corrupt Politicians in the Democrat and Republican Party, Progressive Supreme Court Justices including John Roberts, Progressive Educators, and corrupt American Chamber of Commerce.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amazon Customer
- 12-28-23
Pretty good overview
Good overview of the early history, but so much has happened since this was published, which makes certain later parts moot. I thought it was mostly objective, except for the very obvious pro life bias.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Kevin
- 09-30-16
Excellent!
I listened to this book in preparation for voting this fall. I loved the way the authors went through the constitution connecting it with historical context. It was an excellent introduction to the constitution. I recommend this book to anyone who feels like their memory of constitutional law has gotten fuzzy since high school. The explanation and contrasting views presented on each constitutional topic were easy to understand.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Jordan
- 08-01-15
Great book
I was looking for a book that would give me some insight into the text of the constitution and the meanings of amendments. This book did that and also gave many situations where those texts were interpreted differently over the years. I enjoyed it overall and have much more information. The only reason I'm rating it 4 stars is because I would have liked less opinion from the authors. Though I agreed with some of the opinions, I still would rather have had none and just factual information.
Great book!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
3 people found this helpful