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What Americans Don't Know About the US Constitution

Masood Farivar

   WASHINGTON - Written in 1787, the U.S. Constitution is the world's
   oldest written charter of government in use today.

   Most Americans are familiar with its first three words -- "We the
   People." Yet they "don't understand" the venerable document, says
   Kimberly Wehle, a professor of law at the University of Baltimore.

   To get readers interested in the charter, Wehle recently published "How
   to Read the Constitution -- and Why," a back-to-the-basics, accessible
   primer on the U.S. charter of government written for a time when many
   on the left and some on the right think the Constitution is under
   assault.

   The book's launch coincides with the end of a consequential term for
   the Supreme Court, during which President Donald Trump's second court
   nominee, Brett Kavanaugh, joined the bench following a contentious
   confirmation hearing. It also coincides with the nation's 243rd
   observance of Independence Day, July 4.

   VOA spoke with Wehle about the Supreme Court and how and why to read
   the Constitution. The following excerpts have been edited for clarity
   and length.
   The U.S. Constitution is the oldest surviving written constitution in
   use today. What makes it so enduring?

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