In studying the constitution, it seems from what I am learning from people like Woods, Gutzman, and other, that’s its important to know the authors intent.
But to find this original intent, one is faced to read thru works like the “Debates on the Constitution”, Federalist Papers, etc.
Has anyone thought of come up with an “Annotated Constitution” (for lack of a better term), whereby each part of the constitution is explain with clear excerpts from the writers, rather then modern (re-)interpretation.
Does such a work exist?
Or does anyone have a reasonable reading list, study guide for one who wants to delve into this topic?
I know that the commerce clause was intended to destroy trade barriers between states.
The Constitution sucks though, the Articles of Confederation was a lot better. No protection of slavery or industry, no central tyranny, no wars, no compulsory taxation, no debt, more liberty.
As has already been mentioned, it is a little silly to suggest that such a large and dynamic group of people had a single opinion about the meaning of the constitution that could somehow be distilled into “clear” excerpts in an annotated version.
Writing about the original intent of the constitution is easy. You find authors who agree with you (actually, this step isn’t strictly necessary) and then cherry-pick quotations. Original intent . . . there is no such thing.
There is a great online annotated oneat http://press-pubs.uchicago.edu/founders/tocs/toc.html with excerpts from various philosophical works that inspired many of the framers. You can also purchase the physical version titled, “The Founders’ Constitution” ISBN 978-0-86597-279-7 (it’s 5 volumes so it’ll be pricey).