How to Read the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence

By: Paul B. Skousen

Narrated by: Mark Deakins

Length: 3 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

Have you ever wanted to read the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, and really understand what they're saying?

Millions of others have, too. But getting a real understanding of the legal language of 200 years ago can be challenging - and as a result, few Americans know these important documents as well as they should. Recognizing this, Paul Skousen has written exactly the book you've been looking for.

It's an easy step-by-step guide that makes these documents come alive. With his help, you will be able to read them with purpose, with understanding, and with clarity.

Skousen provides several valuable memory aids for you to master the Constitution's seven Articles and the 27 important rights named in the Bill of Rights. You will be able to navigate through the Declaration's five power statements on freedom and unlock their 18th century phrases with a convenient glossary. You will find the answers to 10 popular myths about the Constitution, and discover how its guiding principles protect human rights.

Thousands of books describe the origins of these famous documents, but only one audiobook gives you a place to start reading them made easier in How to Read the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.

©2016 Paul B. Skousen (P)2016 Paul B. Skousen, Izzard Ink Publishing

How to Read the Constitutuion

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. This is an unbiased book about how to read the constitution.

What about Mark Deakins’s performance did you like?

The narrator did very well.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

The myths, historical facts and how to read the constitution.

Any additional comments?

Any conservative or liberal should read this book to understand how America is free.

How to read Constituition & Declaration

What did you love best about How to Read the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence?

It, mostly, laid it all out in understandable way.

What was one of the most memorable moments of How to Read the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence?

When automatically compared this book with the last one by same writer and once again got hit with knowledge of the obvious fact that he had to have been a republican, as the book very obviously slants that way.

What does Mark Deakins bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Nice voice. {No idea what to put here, usually my computer reads to me with the kindle for pc with audio plug in.}

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

That the writer didn't seem to think that it was a 'living' document, nor that it really needed to be, when yes it must be, that is not a myth and neither is the fact that several things that were never thought about at all at one time have become issues over time so no it is not a myth and it is needed. It used to be okay to have slaves, to discrimate against those of different races, sexes, sexual leaning, etcetera. Human Rights have been 'given', others fought for, and others still being fought for.

Any additional comments?

This book is about the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence {which contrary to some reviews, does include the amendments}. Overall the book was good, BUT -- as in the last book, the writer is obvioulsy slanting everything to a republican veiwpoint, which of course is more noticeable if you are not that, and in several places would be still be at least a bit confusing to those who are not more than a bit familiar with overall law and/or background of all this, as in new citizens and so forth. Yes, it covered memory aids, the Constitution, Articles, Bill of Rights, and it does go in to each of those in some way, as well as supposed myths plus protecting human rights. In my case, the 'trick' statements and so on were more of an interruption in the train of the book and in my own thoughts. I have a background in law {paralegalism and some other things} so that may be more me than would be noticed by the average reader.

Also, audible has rating parts, 3 of them, but nothing could find that shows what each section meant. Overall, Performance, Story...these do not aduquately tell me what they are supposed to indicate.

Simplicity

If you could sum up How to Read the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence in three words, what would they be?

Simplicity, Educational, Freedom

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

I was surprised how Mark handled the "Test Yourself" sections. I appreciated how I could listen and learn and still participate to test my knowledge/comprehension.

What about Mark Deakins’s performance did you like?

The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were performed masterfully.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Simply the Constitution

Any additional comments?

American's need to understand their constitutional rights or we will lose them. I have read many books on the Constitution but this was is for listeners of all ages and various levels of understanding. My kids now understand know how to read these documents have that lasted 200+ years and so do I. Many books on the Constitution try and give an angle or their own bias but this is just facts. Well done and the narration could not have been better.

The Book Title Says It All

Where does How to Read the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I've listened to many, many audio books. I am a huge Grisham fan. Mark read Grisham's latest novel and that is partially what led me to this book. Love the voice. Love the performance.

What other book might you compare How to Read the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence to and why?

I guess it reminds me a bit of one of Covey's books (How to win friends and influence people, etc.) Not really because of content but just the feel and vibe it has. It is approachable, easy, simple application, and something you would probably read again.

What does Mark Deakins bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

As I said before, he read Grisham's novel and that was so well done that I couldn't wait to hear this one. Love the performance.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

I don't think i have ever read either of these documents before. Probably not even in school. To hear them side-by-side, and understand better how to interpret them, it took away the mystery and uncertainty. These documents are simple and i guess i never realized that before. I think what surprised me the most is the multitude of examples of unconstitutional things I read in the paper and see on the news. Education really is the key to preserve freedom.

Any additional comments?

Thanks for the book.

The Nuts & Bolts

I found this audiobook extremely helpful for learning and interpreting the text of the US Constitution.

This is a great listen for those who want to hear the full text of the US Constitution and Declaration of Independence.

This audiobook provides a glossary of terms as well as brief sections explaining parts of the US Constitution with a question and answer section.

How to read the Constitution

I love this. He makes the Constitution fresh and alive. I recommend this for everyone!

Politicians Read This!!!

What did you love best about How to Read the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence?

I've never read the Constitution or the Declaration before. I really liked the short simple explanation of the seven Articles. I loved the memory trick, lej sasr, GREAT!

What other book might you compare How to Read the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence to and why?

There is no other book I can compare this with. The "Dummy" and "Idiot" books are too hard. This book made it really clear really fast.

Which scene was your favorite?

The list of powers given to Congress. I thought the constitution gave them permission to do a lot more.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I listened through the first part and suddenly realized an hour went by. It's a fast book.

Any additional comments?

I care a lot about our horrible gun violence problems, free college tuition, minimum wage, and what we're doing to our environment. I picked up the book because I wanted to know why the government can't fix these faster. Now it makes a lot more sense. This is a really good way to do it, read the actual words in the constitution and understand what's going on. Recommend it.

Great lesson

Every American should understand how important our Constitution and Declaration of Independence! These are our tools to stay free.

Wish I had picked this up ages ago!

Any additional comments?

Now all the constitutional challenges and claims make sense. Finally, I can engage in the debate without faking it.

Unbiased, Education, Essential

Where does How to Read the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This audiobook is for the person who wishes to leave a better world than they received. The only other comparable audio-books I've heard are Bassam (also by Skousen) and Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. This audio book is compelling because of its simplicity in its study of the most powerful documents ever drafted. No biased opinion, just simple and compelling. Worth the investment of time and money.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Coming out of this book, I have a deepened resolve and respect for The United States of America and its inspired founding documents. I realized how essential it is to have the Declaration of Independence side-by-side with the Constitution, when studying either. Those two documents speak to each-other.

Any additional comments?

I read the Declaration with my young kids and extended family on the 4th of July. This book will make that new tradition more meaningful...adding to the great legacy already left to us in the form of The United States of America.