In his new book, Our Republican Constitution: Securing the Liberty and Sovereignty of We the People, Georgetown law professor Randy E. Barnett answers the question of who constitutes “We the People.” He provides new insights into what that means for America’s Constitution and government, while demonstrating how an alternate understanding of the first three words of the Preamble led to Chief Justice John Roberts’ decision in NFIB v. Sebelius.
Those familiar with Barnett’s style will not be surprised by the book’s inclusion of heaps of historical context to support his points, nor will they be shocked that it ends with actionable solutions to the problems he identifies. However, Our Republican Constitution is a more comfortable read than his previous works for one not immersed in constitutional study. Barnett effectively ties his past scholarship with newer explanations and ideas he has not introduced elsewhere.
