The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States

By: Random House Audio

Narrated by: Frank Langella, Boyd Gaines

Length: 48 mins

Publisher's summary

Here are the two most treasured documents of American freedom together on one audiobook.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal....

Drafted by Thomas Jefferson in 1776 as an act of rebellion, the Declaration of Independence powerfully expresses the political principles of an emerging nation. As justification for severing ties with England, The Declaration presented a list of grievances against the king and declared the colonies to be sovereign states.

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Ratified in 1788, the Constitution for the United States of America remains a shining example of patriotism and compromise. In outlining the power of the three branches of government and establishing the rights of all Americans, the Constitution united the 13 independent states and set forth the official viewpoint of a newly unified nation. Its most significant and insightful feature is that it can always be amended.

(P)2007 Random House, Inc. Random House Audio, a division of Random House, Inc.

Politics as usual

For me it was dry and boring but if I listen to it repeatedly (while cleaning or hiking), small details sink in and make for interesting conversation with my family who isn’t political.

Read very clearly and concisely.

Understood every word and it all made sense. I was led to believe in school that it was written in Old English and was hard to understand. That was not the case.

Don’t panic!

Reads like Vogon poetry and it’s wonderful because of it! An architectural dream of perfection and play.

Kindly informative

The way this was read and the voice used made this very easy to understand and enjoyable to listen to.

Know your history

Know what our country stands for and don’t be swayed by rhetoric that is so opposed

Outstanding in all ways!

As we look to colonize Luna, Mars and, in my lifetime, the deep, dark, gap between us and those other planets in this solar system, I recognize the need for a deeper understanding of these foundational documents in order to articulate inter planetary blockchain commerce. This rendition is exquisite for any student at any level or for any intent. I listen to this on repeat regularly to key in on sections or threads that emerge and reemerge between these two beautiful American treasures.

Great way to learn our Documents

I really enjoyed the narration and it is ads to the enjoyment. I bought this not just to refresh my memory but to to ingrain some of our most important documents into me.

Required Listening For All American Citizens

Every American Citizen should to listen to or read these two fundamental documents of our democracy at least every two years. If you do not understand parts of them do what is necessary until you do. This is especially important when one or the other of these documents is under siege.

Great but missing points

The audiobook is missing the Amendments after the tenth

Text and audiobook text locations out of order

real u.s.

Listen to this while you watch CNN news and you tell me. That we are not living in a British running government and I'll tell you are absolutely wrong! It's unexceptable! I pray to God to help us 🇺🇸. Amen.