Synopses & Reviews
Thom Hartmann, the most popular progressive radio host in America and a New York Times bestselling author, explains how the Supreme Court has spilled beyond its Constitutional powers and how we the people should take that power back.
Taking his typically in-depth, historically informed view, Thom Hartmann asks, What if the Supreme Court didn't have the power to strike down laws? According to the Constitution, it doesn't. From the founding of the republic until 1803, the Supreme Court was the final court of appeals, as it was always meant to be. So where did the concept of judicial review start? As so much of modern American history, it began with the battle between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists, and with Marbury v. Madison.
Hartmann argues it is not the role of the Supreme Court to decide what the law is but rather the duty of the people themselves. He lays out the history of the Supreme Court of the United States, since Alexander Hamilton's defense to modern-day debates, with key examples of cases where the Supreme Court overstepped its constitutional powers. The ultimate remedy to the Supreme Court's abuse of power is with the people — the ultimate arbiter of the law — using the ballot box. America does not belong to the kings and queens; it belongs to the people.
Review
"Hartmann once again goes deep to understand the origin of the crisis in the Supreme Court, which didn't stem from Trump alone. To understand the power of the Court, its dangerously dysfunctional state, and what you can do, read this book." Dahr Jamail, author of The End of Ice
Review
"Hartmann has the amazing ability to bring important history to life. His new book is a must-read for people of all political persuasions to understand the history of the Court and its political impact. It is an eye-opener on the betrayal of America and what it means for our future." Bob Ney, Political Analyst, Talk Media News, and former member of Congress
Review
"Hartmann looks at the Supreme Court today as a tool of the right and their corporate interests. He reminds us that the Declaration of Independence promises 'life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, ' not 'property, ' and urges 'we the people' to lawfully subject SCOTUS to democratic governance." Harvey J. Kaye, Professor of Democracy and Justice Studies, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, and author of Thomas Paine and the Promise of America
Review
"Thom Hartmann's thoughtful analysis of the history of the Supreme Court provides a clear and actionable blueprint for how champions of principled democracy can work to evolve the court in ways that makes it more responsive, transparent, and accountable." Garlin Gilchrist, Lieutenant Governor, State of Michigan
About the Author
Thom Hartmann is a progressive national and internationally syndicated talk show host. Talkers Magazine named him America's #1 most important progressive host, and the host of one of the top 10 talk radio shows in the country every year for over a decade. A four-time recipient of the Project Censored Award, Hartmann is also a New York Times bestselling author of twenty-four books, translated in multiple languages.