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.

• Chapter 1 PrefaceChapter 2 English AntecedentsChapter 3 Colonial Charters and LawsChapter 4 Revolutionary Declarations and ConstitutionsChapter 5 Confederation and ConstitutionChapter 6 State Ratifying ConventionsChapter 7 The Great Rights SecuredChapter 8 The Bill of Rights in OperationChapter 9 AfterwordChapter 10 Appendix A: Amendments Proposed by Madison, June 8, 1789Chapter 11 Appendix B: Amendments Reported by House Select Committee, July 28, 1789Chapter 12 Appendix C: Amendments Passed by House of Representatives, August 24, 1789Chapter 13 Appendix D: Amendments Passed by Senate, September 9, 1789Chapter 14 Appendix E: Amendments Passed by Congress, September 25, 1789Chapter 15 NotesChapter 16 Index