The Words That Made Us

America's Constitutional Conversation, 1760-1840

By: Akhil Reed Amar

Narrated by: Fajer Al-Kaisi

A history of the American Constitution's formative decades from a preeminent legal scholar

When the US Constitution won popular approval in 1788, it was the culmination of 30 years of passionate argument over the nature of government. But ratification hardly ended the conversation. For the next half century, ordinary Americans and statesmen alike continued to wrestle with weighty questions in the halls of government and in the pages of newspapers. Should the nation's borders be expanded? Should America allow slavery to spread westward? What rights should Indian nations hold? What was the proper role of the judicial branch?

In The Words That Made Us, Akhil Reed Amar unites history and law in a vivid narrative of the biggest constitutional questions early Americans confronted, and he expertly assesses the answers they offered. His account of the document's origins and consolidation is a guide for anyone seeking to properly understand America's Constitution today.

©2021 Akhil Reed Amar (P)2021 Basic Books

Critic reviews

"Dazzling…Against modern historians and legal scholars who condemn the constitutional order as a bulwark of elite dominion, Amar advances a neo Federalist defense of it as a deeply democratic, if imperfect, blueprint for stable liberty. This is no arid exercise in legal theory: Amar ties searching constitutional analysis into a gripping narrative of war, popular tumults, political intrigue, and even fashion, highlighted by vivid profiles of statesmen."(Publishers Weekly)

“A page-turning doorstop history of how early American courts and politicians interpreted the Constitution. A Yale professor of law and political science, Amar - who points out that most historians lack training in law and most lawyers are not knowledgeable enough about history - delivers a fascinating, often jolting interpretation.... Brilliant insights into America’s founding document.” (Kirkus)

“Akhil Amar, one of America’s greatest constitutional teachers, has written one of America’s greatest constitutional histories. Amar’s unique brilliance as a constitutional lawyer and historian combine to create a riveting narrative history of the American idea that will illuminate and inspire readers for generations to come.”(Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO, National Constitution Center)

Everyone should read this book.

This book belongs on the shelf between Wealth of Nations and Democracy in America! A modern day classic. There is no better book to understand how the founding came about and what America is truly all about. Amar is renowned in legal circles but writes this book for the everyday American to dive into what makes America such an awe inspiring success. Amar gives a new perspective that you won’t find elsewhere on who really wrote the constitution, hint it wasn’t Madison.

Arrogance and Insight

The insight is well worth the time required, but the arrogance of the author — the only living person ever to have comprehended matters universally botched by others — is painful. More painful is the prissy narration, which not infrequently gives the sense of being bemused by the subject.

Outstanding and relevant

It’s a very long but also very engaging and enjoyable read (or listen) for anyone interested in our Constitution, how it was created and agreed to, and how it was interpreted through the Jacksonian era.

Provoking

This is a very interesting concept. Because I listened to this and could not really check references, I felt that it was difficult to assess some facts. The author clearly was strong in his praise of Alexander Hamilton, but I had no way to assess the references. I felt he was too judgmental of Jefferson and Madison using today’s standards applied to more than 200 years ago— a little too much political correctness.
I learned a lot however and it was worth reading overall.

Every lawyer must read

If you are a practicing attorney in the U.S., regardless of your practice area and regardless of your political persuasion, you MUST read this book. Bar complaints will attend those who do not avail themselves of this resource. Somebody turn this into 30 hours or CLE credit.

WORDS THAT UNMAKE US

“The Words That Made Us” spins history in ways that may offend some historians.  Akhil Amar reveals interesting historical facts that arguably diminish the reputations of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and James Madison.  On the other hand, Amar bolsters the legends of Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, and Alexander Hamilton.  Along the way, Amar offers praise for lesser-known visionaries like John Jay, Edmund Randolph, John Marshall, and Joseph Story.

Facts of history may be immutable but new facts seem to change history with every new historian’s research.  One is left with a feeling of unease about truth.  “The Words That Made Us” are also words that unmake us.

"Best of /Must Read" for knowledge of our founding

For those who would like to more fully understand from a legal and historical perspective how are our Republic was founded and the exceptionally democratic way in which our constitution was adopted, this book is required reading. Akhil Amar takes pride in the production of this work, which will doubtless live on as required reading in law schools and history departments for the ages. Enjoyed every bit of it and highly recommend it for young and older students of our beloved constitution.

I learned a lot

The book to me comes across with the ease of a novel and the seriousness of an academic treatise. With the arguments today about “critical race theory” and states’ rights vs federal jurisdiction, the book’s discussions have great relevance for me. An eye-opener is its explanation about why we have an electoral college in presidential elections.

Inspiring read.

Love learning about some of those who created our systems of government who we don't really know. Absolutely love that it is written by someone named Akhil Reed Amar. This government can be for all of us and this book shows how we can continue to improve on it. If you are into government, History and the amazing gift we have here in the United States you will like this read. (Listen)

And the words that made Us

I am enchanted by history- this book written by an authoritative and fully credentials is plain an educational tool that easily should be given 3 college semesters credit and I feel that I should get that college credit.
It is above all a clear and eye opening experience that allows comparisons with what we are living today specially with the Supreme Court.
Assures and reminds us that democracy is for sure not self sustaining it is a continuing effort to keep democratic process alive and for sure all checks to prevent democracy from falling into desrepair or non functional.
I want for a long time to ask this question:
Are 2/3 of US people confusing democracy versus the democratic process?