Who Killed the Constitution?

Who Killed the Constitution? examines twelve Supreme Court decisions and government actions that the authors argue have damaged constitutional principles in the United States. The book traces these developments from the early 20th century through modern times. Woods and Gutzman analyze specific cases related to civil liberties, federalism, separation of powers, and other constitutional issues. They present historical context and legal analysis for each situation, building an argument about the gradual erosion of constitutional boundaries. The authors detail how both Republican and Democratic administrations have contributed to constitutional overreach. The text incorporates primary sources, court documents, and scholarly research to support its central claims. The work raises fundamental questions about the relationship between government authority and constitutional limits in American democracy. Its examination of historical precedents creates a framework for understanding current debates about executive power, federal jurisdiction, and individual rights.

Readers appreciate the book's detailed examples of constitutional violations by both Democratic and Republican administrations. Several reviewers note the clear writing style and thorough documentation of sources. Common praise focuses on the authors' nonpartisan approach and willingness to criticize politicians from both major parties. Multiple readers highlight the chapter on war powers as particularly informative. Critics argue that the authors cherry-pick examples and take an overly strict constructionist view of the Constitution. Some reviewers find the tone too combative and say the authors fail to acknowledge legitimate constitutional interpretations that differ from their originalist perspective. Ratings: Amazon: 4.5/5 (124 reviews) Goodreads: 4.1/5 (156 ratings) Sample review quotes: "Well-researched but reads like the authors are angry about everything" - Goodreads reviewer "Finally, someone willing to call out both parties for ignoring constitutional limits" - Amazon reviewer "Makes valid points but comes across as absolutist" - LibraryThing reviewer

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🔷 The book examines 12 specific Supreme Court decisions and government policies that the authors argue have damaged constitutional principles, including programs like Social Security and No Child Left Behind. 🔷 Co-author Thomas Woods holds a bachelor's degree from Harvard and a Ph.D. from Columbia University, and has written multiple New York Times bestsellers focusing on American history and politics. 🔷 The authors contend that both major political parties are equally responsible for constitutional violations, challenging the common perception that one party is more protective of the Constitution than the other. 🔷 The book's publication in 2008 coincided with growing public interest in constitutional issues, partly driven by debates over post-9/11 security measures and executive power. 🔷 Co-author Kevin Gutzman is a constitutional scholar who has notably argued that the Constitution's meaning should be interpreted based on how it was understood at the time of ratification, rather than through modern interpretations.