Constitutional Sound Bites

Constitutional Sound Bites explains America’s Founding documents in a format that is familiar to 21st century readers. This is accomplished in a simple, unbiased, easy-to-read presentation that takes into account the “sound bite” nature of today’s cyber-driven, fast-click culture. The Federalist Papers, by John Jay, Alexander Hamilton and James Madison explain the Constitution, but long newspaper essays are not the way Americans get information in the 21st century. Constitutional Sound Bites addresses this difference by translating an 18th Century message into a 21st Century format.

There are over 150 question and answer entries, and while the entries are all related, each conveys a stand-alone message about the philosophy, organization and purpose of America’s Founding Documents. At a time of deep divisions in the United States the book brings home the important fact that the shared heritage is not liberal nor conservative, Republican nor Democrat but American. The book also contains the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and all amendments.

The principal goal of Constitutional Sound Bites is to bring the Constitution alive and explain the origins, purposes and philosophy of the document. Reading the Constitution with the objectives for government, as expressed in the Declaration of Independence and Preamble, in mind makes the experience more meaningful.

Knowledge of the aims reveals the purpose of the detailed provisions. Then the provisions are not simply dry definitions of government structure. They are protections for freedom and liberty. Perhaps the most important thing to consider about the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights is they are not Democrat or Republican, nor liberal or conservative, they are American. Their ideals and principles belong to all of us, and a gift from the 18th Century to the 21st.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Shestokas has taken a set of documents, essential to our very being and has made them both accessible and relevant. It is difficult to be a good American without understanding how America was made and what America stands for. Constitutional Sound Bites makes 18th Century courage & brilliance come to life in 21st Century style. Thanks, Dave!
Brent Hamachek, author of “How America Broke its Wings”

Constitutional Sound Bites provides an accurate and accessible resource regarding the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights. The book’s unique format allows the reader to quickly and effectively grasp the material. The historical anecdotes add depth and context. It is an excellent resource AND an enjoyable read. A “must have” for every American.
William Frech, Senior Financial Analyst of S-K Partners, Ltd.

From the Author

The principal goal of Constitutional Sound Bites is to bring the Constitution alive and explain the origins, purposes and philosophy of the document. Reading the Constitution with the objectives for government, as expressed in the Declaration of Independence and Preamble, in mind makes the experience more meaningful.

Knowledge of the aims reveals the purpose of the detailed provisions. Then the provisions are not simply dry definitions of government structure. They are protections for freedom and liberty. Perhaps the most important thing to consider about the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights is they are not Democrat or Republican, nor liberal or conservative, they are American. Their ideals and principles belong to all of us, and a gift from the 18th Century to the 21st.

From the Back Cover

David Shestokas answers questions about America’s Founding Documents and First Principles with brief explanations of key provisions and moments in the documents’ creation. In an era when our Nation’s Founding receives little attention in American classrooms, and bursts of information compete for our time, Constitutional Sound Bites addresses both realities to accommodate and educate the modern reader. 

About the Author

David Shestokas earned his B.A. in Political Science from Bradley University in 1975 and his Juris Doctor from The John Marshall Law School, cum laude, in June of 1987. In1986-87 he served on The John Marshall Law Review. He studied law at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. David Shestokas earned his B.A. in Political Science from Bradley University and his Juris Doctor from The John Marshall Law School, cum laude where he served on The John Marshall Law Review. He studied law at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. He has been admitted to practice law before the Illinois Supreme Court, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, the Supreme Court of Florida, and the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida.

Mr. Shestokas has been practicing law for nearly 30 years. His practice has included criminal defense, corporate law, real estate, and business financing. He has served as Assistant State’s Attorney for the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office in Chicago, IL where he was involved in over 10,000 criminal prosecutions. During that time he also worked on the Felony Review Unit.

Shestokas has hosted his own weekly radio program “Constitutionally Speaking”. Using that as aspiring board, he has attracted over 87,000 followers on Twitter (@shestokas) where he regularly shares his perspective on the constitutional angle of today’s events. Shestokas has brought the Declaration of Independence, United States Constitution, and the Bill of Rights to life through his website Constitutional and Legal Education and News and his book Constitutional Sound Bites. His website has 40,000 monthly readers. His Facebook, LinkedIn and Google+ social media community exceeds 25,000.