Written by a leading scholar of the constitutional amending process, this two-volume encyclopedia, now in its fifth edition, is an indispensable resource for students, legal historians, and high school and college librarians. This authoritative reference resource provides a history and analysis of all 27 ratified amendments to the Constitution, as well as insights and information on thousands of other amendments that have been proposed but never ratified from America's birth until the present day. The set also includes a rich bibliography of informative books, articles, and other media related to constitutional amendments and the amending process.

The cross is one of Christianity’s most distinctive symbols, increasingly cutting across Catholic/Protestant and other denominational divides. Although the US acknowledges no official religion, a variety of both Christian and non-Christian denominations have flourished. Crosses dot the landscape, sometimes towering over it and at other times simply marking a grave or the site of a traffic accident, or providing a place for contemplation. Courts continue to decide whether it is better to remove long-standing crosses on public property to protect the separation of church and state, or whether removing such symbols might be misinterpreted as expressing hostility towards religion. Whether marking identity, triumph, love, grief, or sacrifice, the cross remains important in American life and continues to be the subject of works of art, music, literature, and political, religious, and social rhetoric, all of which this volume addresses in an accessible A-to-Z format.

"Written by a leading scholar of the constitutional amending process, this two-volume encyclopedia, now in its fifth edition, is an indispensable resource for students, legal historians, and high school and college librarians"--

Describes the 27 amendments to the Constitution that have been ratified and discusses subjects related to proposed amendments, with some 400 alphabetical, cross-referenced entries on key concepts, figures, and movements. Addresses reforms introduced outside of Congress, Supreme Court decisions, and issues including abortion and elections. Includes entry bibliographies and a comprehensive bibliography, reference appendices, the text of the Constitution, and a list of cases. For general readers and researchers. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

From the Publisher: With over 500 alphabetically organized entries, the Encyclopedia tells the whole story of constitutional amendments: the rigorous ratification process, the significance of the 27 amendments that made it into the Constitution, and the notable and sometimes preposterous topics of the thousands that did not. The third edition offers a new preface, updated research throughout, and over 75 new entries, including discussions of amendments currently under consideration, such as proposals to ban burning the U.S. flag, legalize school prayer, and compel the federal government to balance the budget.

From the Publisher: With over 500 alphabetically organized entries, the Encyclopedia tells the whole story of constitutional amendments: the rigorous ratification process, the significance of the 27 amendments that made it into the Constitution, and the notable and sometimes preposterous topics of the thousands that did not. The third edition offers a new preface, updated research throughout, and over 75 new entries, including discussions of amendments currently under consideration, such as proposals to ban burning the U.S. flag, legalize school prayer, and compel the federal government to balance the budget.

This book offers a set of alphabetically organized entries designed as a one-stop resource for high school and college students, members of the general public, and scholars interested in the numerous proposals that individuals have introduced to amend the U.S. Constitution. First published to universal acclaim, including a "Best Reference Book" citation from Library Journal, John Vile's award-winning Encyclopedia of Constitutional Amendments, Proposed Amendments, and Amending Issues has long served as the definitive work on this vast and essential subject. Expanded and updated, the new Third Edition of this landmark resource takes its place as the most comprehensive and up-to-date reference of its kind. With over 500 alphabetically organized entries, the Encyclopedia tells the whole story of constitutional amendments: the rigorous ratification process, the significance of the 27 amendments that made it into the Constitution, and the notable and sometimes preposterous topics of the thousands that did not. The third edition offers a new preface, updated research throughout, and over 75 new entries, including discussions of amendments currently under consideration, such as proposals to ban burning the U.S. flag, legalize school prayer, and compel the federal government to balance the budget. - Over 500 A-Z entries on amendments, proposed amendments, alternate constitutions, and amending issues - A chronology of the most popular amending proposals by year and key events and publications related to constitutional amendments - Primary documents, including the U.S. Constitution and its amendments - An extensive bibliography plus suggestions for further reading for each entry - A comprehensive index

"This second edition has been expanded by more than a third and is the only reference work that tells the whole story of constitutional amendments: the rigorous ratification process, the significance of the amendments that made it, and the notable and sometimes preposterous topics of the thousands that didn't." --Book Jacket.