Presents a concise introduction to the American constitutional developments that have taken place since 1781, treating trends from history, law, and political science. Focusing primarily on constitutional changes related to economic developments, individual rights, and executive power, chapters cover both formal revisions made through constitutional amendments, and informal changes resulting from Supreme Court decisions, executive actions by U.S. presidents, and laws implemented by Congress.

Part I. The new republic, 1781-1828. Ideological origins of the new republic ; Representative and constitutional democracy ; Nationalization of the constitution and executive power -- Part II. The slave republic, 1789-1877. Commerce, nullification, and slavery ; Civil War and Reconstruction ; Rights and privileges -- Part III. The free market republic, 1877-1937. The development of substantive due process ; Civil rights after Reconstruction ; The re-emergence of executive power -- Part IV. The welfare state republic, 1937-1995. Advocates and enemies of social welfare ; The growth of civil liberties ; The civil rights movement ; Expanding presidential power -- Part V. The contemporary republic, 1995-2013. Federal commerce power and economic regulation ; Rights, liberties, and judicial doctrines ; Executive authority and terrorism.