The US Constitution, Annotated

October 15, 2019 9:01 PM

The Constitution Annotated: Analysis and Interpretation of the U.S. Constitution is a long-running project of the Congressional Research Service, now updated for the web, that "allows you to read about the Constitution in plain English…providing a comprehensive overview of Supreme Court decisions interpreting the United States Constitution." Until now, the Constitution Annotated "has primarily existed as a 3,000-page hardbound volume provided to Congressional members." If you're looking for a place to start browsing, here's a timely example. You can also browse by topic.
posted by Not A Thing (8 comments total)

I think if I did one worthwhile thing this evening, it's probably that I read Historical Note On Formation Of The Constitution. I should probably read it again a couple of times over the next few days. It's a heady bit of information, and it sort of redefined what "These United States" meant as common usage back before it become "The United States" after the Civil War.
posted by hippybear at 9:50 PM on October 15, 2019 [3 favorites]

I live in New Hampshire. If I want to read about the constitution, I can just look at my neighbors’ tattoos.
posted by kevinbelt at 3:22 AM on October 16, 2019 [10 favorites]

Well, it is a living document, after all.
posted by snuffleupagus at 5:16 AM on October 16, 2019 [4 favorites]

I have been looking for an annotated guide to the US Constitution for a long time; was even planning to eventually make an Ask Me about it. This is great. Thank you for sharing this!
posted by nightrecordings at 6:18 AM on October 16, 2019 [2 favorites]

And the tenth edition will be this thick.
Nice find.
posted by clavdivs at 6:57 AM on October 16, 2019 [1 favorite]

There's something great about the fact that only once has a direct challenge under the third amendment been a basis for a significant court decision.
posted by look upon my works progress administration at 6:57 AM on October 16, 2019 [4 favorites]

Is it just me or is this bad timing... Like all the notes will probably be overturned with the current court in power.
posted by symbioid at 12:50 PM on October 16, 2019

I think it's perfect timing, sitting as we are on the brink of a constitutional crisis.
posted by qxntpqbbbqxl at 11:59 PM on October 16, 2019