Books
(Books are listed in suggested reading order)
The Constitution: A Heavenly Banner
Ezra Taft Benson
President Benson outlines the basic eternal principles upon which the Constitution is based, reviews how it came forth, and recognizes the contributions and motives of Founding Fathers. He affirms God’s approval of the Constitution, and reviews its major provisions. He concludes with a warning of the dangers to the Constitution and a call for Latter-day Saints to be involved in government and to prepare to save it. An excellent starting point for those wishing to better their understanding of the Constitution.
Note: President Benson gave a talk at BYU on September 16, 1986 titled “The Constitution – A Heavenly Banner.” The talk is a condensed version of the book. It can be found here.
The Great Prologue
Mark E. Peterson
Elder Peterson discusses the establishment of the United States in the context of the Almighty’s centuries long preparation for the restoration of the Gospel. He discusses the prophecies that foretold the establishment of the United States. He reviews key historical events before, during, and after the Revolution. He teaches that the United States was established by God using men chosen and raised up for that very purpose. He affirms that the Constitution is divinely inspired. Elder Peterson concludes by teaching about the restoration of the Gospel and calls on Latter-day Saints to live the gospel and spread it throughout the world. For those want to better understand the Constitution and its relation to the Restoration.
Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution
Donald Q. Cannon (Editor)
A collection of statements about the Constitution by the Presidents of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The book contains numerous statements by each President from Joseph Smith to Ezra Taft Benson (President Benson was president at the time the book was published). The book leaves no question as to the divine nature of the Constitution. In the October 1987 General Conference, President Benson asked, “Do we know what the prophets have said about the Constitution and the threats to it?” This is a book for those who want to know the answer to that question.
The Federalist Papers
Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay
The Federalist Papers are a series of 85 essays by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay arguing for the ratification of the Constitution. Written “To the People of the State of New York” the papers sought the ratification of the Constitution in that and other states. The essays are an in depth explanation of the Constitution. Thomas Jefferson recommended the Federalist Papers as “an authority to which appeal is habitually made by all, and rarely declined or denied by any as evidence of the general opinion of those who framed, and of those who accepted the Constitution of the United States, on questions as to its genuine meaning.” In the April 1976 General Conference, Elder Ezra Taft Benson said, “We should understand the Constitution as the founders meant that it should be understood. We can do this by reading their words about it, such as those contained in the Federalist Papers. Such understanding is essential if we are to preserve what God has given us.”
The Real George Washington
Jay A. Parry, Andrew M. Allison, W. Cleon Skousen
The Real Thomas Jefferson
Andrew M. Allison, M. Richard Maxfield, K. DeLynn Cook, W. Cleon Skousen
The Real Benjamin Franklin
Andrew M. Allison, W. Cleon Skousen, M. Richard Maxfield
Excellent biographies of three of the preeminent Founders. Each book also contains a selection of quotations covering a wide range of subjects. The books describe each founder using many of his own writings. They present these men in a positive manner as the giants they were: good, wise, and honest men. They also present an excellent history of the American Revolution and the establishment of the United States Constitution. These are excellent books for those who want to better understand the history surrounding the Constitution and the wise men God raised up to establish it.
Stand Fast by our Constitution
J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
From the Foreword: “President Clark spells out in the speeches published in this volume the background history of the Constitution, the principles and provisions which make it the banner of liberty which it is, and the freedoms it guarantees. He also points out specific departures therefrom and the inevitable consequences which lie ahead if our current trends continue. He identifies and defends the strategic citadels we must defend if we are to ‘stand fast by our Constitution.’” This is a wide ranging book covering topics of interest to all those who love the Constitution. His coverage of the current events of 60 years ago is very informative and still relevant today.
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen
H. Verlan Andersen
In 1972, Elder Ezra Taft Benson, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, recommended this book in an address given in General Conference. He described it as a book “attempting to awaken and inform us of our duty”. The book discusses the true meaning of freedom and the proper role of government. It explains the tendency of men to exercise compulsion and control over others and to use government to exercise that control. The book points out that men are accountable for the actions of government when they support and consent to it operating beyond its proper bounds. It warns of the dangers of secret combinations predicted in the Book of Mormon. An excellent book for those wanting to understand their responsibilities as citizens of the United States.
The Elders of Israel and the Constitution
Jerome Horowitz
This book was recommended by Elder Ezra Taft Benson in General Conference in 1972. He described it as a book “attempting to awaken and inform us of our duty”. From the back cover of the book: “This books fills an important need – that of helping Latter-day Saints understand the Constitution as written by the Framers, whom the Lord described as ‘wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose.’ It shows that instead of being outmoded the Constitution is the basis of America’s freedom and prosperity.” This is an excellent book on government and the Constitution. Originally published in 1970, it is still relevant today.
Prophets, Principles and National Survival
Jerreld L Newquist
Described by Elder Ezra Taft Benson as a book “attempting to awaken and inform us of our duty” when recommended by him in General Conference in 1972. This book is a collection of statements by members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The statements cover a wide range of topics including America, the Constitution, Free Agency, Liberty, Patriotism, Socialism, and many others. Included are numerous footnotes from the Founding Fathers and other authorities that support the words of the Prophets. This book helps us better understand what the Prophets have said about important topics related to the Constitution and our liberties.
Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China
Jung Chang
Those who grew up during the Cold War remember hearing of the horrors of communism. They haven’t been discussed as much since the breakup of the Soviet Union and the collapse of the communist governments in Eastern Europe. Many young people have never heard about them. This book tells the story of three generations of one family living under communism in China. It recounts the horrors they endured. It’s a vivid reminder of the dangers of totalitarian government. An excellent book for those wanting a better understanding of the need for limited constitutional government.