JOURNAL ARTICLE

We the People: A History of the U.S. Constitution.

  • Published In: Foreign Affairs, 2025, v. 104, n. 5. P. 225 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: MATHEWS, JESSICA T. 3 of 3

Abstract

The article discusses Jill Lepore's book "We the People: A History of the U.S. Constitution," which examines the challenges of amending the U.S. Constitution. Lepore argues that the founders intended for the Constitution to adapt to change, but the amendment process has become ineffective due to political polarization and the concentration of power in Congress and state legislatures. As a result, the Constitution retains outdated elements that may jeopardize American democracy, while state constitutions have seen a higher approval rate for amendments. The article also highlights the limitations of Supreme Court interpretations under the originalism doctrine, which many current justices adhere to. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Foreign Affairs. 2025/09, Vol. 104, Issue 5, p225
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:History
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:0015-7120
  • Accession Number:187427908
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