Covering each of the 27 amendments, this 3-vol. resource provides the history and social context of the amendment process. The introduction includes a general essay on the Constitution and adopting new amendments, followed by chapters highlighting each amendment. Entries range in length from 10 to 15 pages and begin with the full text of the amendment, followed by an essay on the social and political climate that gave rise to its proposal. Also included is an overview of the unratified amendments, with an emphasis on issues that affect today's society and demonstrate the current applicability of the amendment. Significant issues, events, figures, movements and judicial/legislative actions in the history of the amendment are also covered chronologically. Features include 150 illustrations, sidebars, a glossary, source for further study, and index.