Bernard Schwartz is widely regarded as one of the preeminant scholars of constitutional law. He is the author of over fifty books, including such seminal works as Commentary on the Constitution of the United States, The Bill of Rights, Super Chief: Earl Warren and His Supreme Court, and Swann's Way.

Schwartz's work reflects meticulous research into original sources, an inquiry that is so essential to a clear understanding of the meaning of the Constitution. -- William J. Brennan Jr.

• Chapter 1 Preface Chapter 2 English Antecedents Chapter 3 Colonial Charters and Laws Chapter 4 Revolutionary Declarations and Constitutions Chapter 5 Confederation and Constitution Chapter 6 State Ratifying Conventions Chapter 7 The Great Rights Secured Chapter 8 The Bill of Rights in Operation Chapter 9 Afterword Chapter 10 Appendix A: Amendments Proposed by Madison, June 8, 1789 Chapter 11 Appendix B: Amendments Reported by House Select Committee, July 28, 1789 Chapter 12 Appendix C: Amendments Passed by House of Representatives, August 24, 1789 Chapter 13 Appendix D: Amendments Passed by Senate, September 9, 1789 Chapter 14 Appendix E: Amendments Passed by Congress, September 25, 1789 Chapter 15 Notes Chapter 16 Index