The Constitution and the Declaration of Independence

Know the words. Grasp the meaning. Defend the freedom. Most of us were told to "know the Constitution," but almost no one was shown how to actually read it. This guided edition brings together the complete texts of the Constitution of the United States, the Declaration of Independence, and all 27 Amendments-plus plain-English help, a myth-busting guide, and a full glossary of every difficult term. It works as a Constitution and Declaration study guide, reference, and gift edition all in one-perfect for students, homeschool families, teachers, veterans, new citizens, and any American who wants to finally understand our founding documents instead of just talking about them. In a powerful foreword, New York Times #1 bestselling author Dan Clark takes readers from the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan to the ink on the founding documents themselves, showing why U.S. troops carry the Constitution in their pockets and what it truly means to "defend the Constitution" in any generation. Alongside the original words, former CIA analyst and constitutional teacher Paul B. Skousen adds just enough help-without replacing the text-so readers can study with confidence instead of confusion. Inside this edition, you'll find: The complete text of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and all 27 Amendments, clearly presented and easy to navigate. A concise preface that explains how the Declaration and Constitution fit together, why the number "27" matters, and how to see the structure at a glance. "Historical Basics" and "Important Dates" that place the documents in their real timeline-ideal for students, classrooms, homeschool, and book clubs. "Ten Popular Myths About the Constitution," where Skousen corrects common misunderstandings in straightforward language, from "It's a living document" to "The Bill of Rights lists all our rights." A robust glossary that translates 18th-century and legal terms-"attainder," "natural law," "habeas corpus," "unalienable," and more-into modern, accessible English, so you never have to guess at meaning. A simple reading habit built around America's civic holidays-July 4 for the Declaration, September 17 for the Constitution-so families, teachers, and citizens can make these texts part of an annual tradition. Whether you are a student or teacher, a veteran or new citizen, a homeschool parent or simply a concerned American, this edition is designed as a working copy of the most important words in American public life-meant to be read, marked up, discussed, and returned to often.