Synopses & Reviews
The processes of constitutional change in America are particularly difficult to understand because of the constant interaction between the constitutional document of 1787 and the wider set of understandings and practices surrounding that document. This work is the first to examine systematically the relationship between changes initiated by constitutional amendment and changes initiated by judicial interpretations or actions of the two elected branches of government. By examining and comparing all three mechanisms of constitutional revision, Vile offers a more complex and dynamic analysis of this important constitutional issue than can be found elsewhere in the literature.
Review
A work useful to both constitutional scholars and lay readers interested in American constitutional development.Choice
Synopsis
Examines the relationship between changes initiated by constitutional amendment and those initiated by judicial interpretations or actions of the two elected branches of government.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. [135]-146) and index.
About the Author
JOHN R. VILE is Professor and Chair in the Department of Political Science at Middle Tennessee State University.
Table of Contents
Preface
The Process of Constitutional Amendment and Constitutional Change
A Survey of Constitutional Amendments and Their Impact on Change
A Selective Look at Supreme Court Decisions and Their Impact on Change
A Selective Look at the Impact of the Political Branches in Effecting Change
Examining the Terminology and Theory of Constitutional Change
Laws, Orders, Judicial Decisions, and Amendments: A Comparative Analysis
Appendix: Amendments to the U.S. Constitution
Selected Bibliography
Index