ABSTRACT

This chapter begins with the supposed demise of the Constitution that some feared contemporary politics has confirmed. Locating such apprehension within a longer history of American constitutional angst, it then deals with three themes revisited at length in the book: from whom the Constitution needs defending; how it should be defended; and why it needs defending. Although most Americans strongly defend the Constitution, the Overton Window the range of acceptable ideas in public debate may yet encompass radical reform. The chapter presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book. The book assesses the governing institutions. It turns to the amendment process and judicial review. The book also offers some reflections on four aspects of contemporary debate: the Constitution's "cult" status; "constitutional crisis"; the problems of a new convention; and the possibility of political renewal without constitutional rewrites.