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

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.

＂Should be read by every single adult who lives in America.＂ --Laurie Halse Anderson

Many of us take certain features in our political system for granted, even when we complain about them. But these fault lines didn’t spontaneously arise--they have their roots in the Constitution itself, the result of disagreements and compromises made by the Framers in 1787--and we’re still feeling the ramifications today.

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 individual US states and other countries. Each chapter begins with a true story 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 includes updated content throughout; two new chapters on Impeachment and Secession; significant expansion of the chapters on Emergency Powers and Term Limits; and revisions throughout that reflect political and social changes leading up to and following the 2024 national election.

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.

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.