Penn State University Libraries - U.S. Constitution

Basic Texts

• The Constitution

• The Bill of Rights (the first 10 Amendments)

• Amendments 11-27

• Amendments that were proposed but not ratified by the States

Analysis

• The Constitution of the United States: Analysis and Interpretation, 2002 edition — the seminal work produced by the Congressional Research Service, this set provides historical context, in-depth analysis, and citations to court cases that have interpreted our constitution.

  • 2004 Supplement

  • 2006 Supplement

  • 2008 Supplement

  • 2010 Supplement

Encylcopedias

• Encylcopedia of the American Constitution — articles cover the key concepts of constitutional law, key cases, and individuals who have played a role in the development of our constitution.

• Encyclopedia of the First Amendment — focuses on some of our most cherished freedoms: speech, religion, press, and assembly — as well as the right to petition the government.

• Constitutional Amendments: Beyond the Bill of Rights — most citizens are familiar with the first 10 amendments that make up the bill of rights, but some later amendments are just as important if not more so, covering everything from women's suffrage to prohibition.

  Part of the Gale Virtual Reference Library. Click on Law under subjects.

  • Amendment XII: The Presidential Election Process
  • Amendment XIII: Abolishing Slavery
  • Amendment XIV: Citizenship for all
  • Amendment XIV: Due Process
  • Amendment XIV: Equal Protection
  • Amendment XV: Race and the Right to Vote
  • Amendment XVII and XXI: Prohibition and Repeal
  • Amendment XIX: Granting Women the Right to Vote

• The U.S. Constitution A-Z — shorter, more concise articles on constitutional issues and cases.