OMG WTF Does the Constitution Actually Say?

A Non-Boring Guide to How Our Democracy Is Supposed to Work

By: Ben Sheehan

Narrated by: Candice Renee, Ben Sheehan

Do you know what the Constitution actually says?

This witty and highly relevant annotation of our founding document is the go-to guide to the ins and outs of how our government really works.

Written by political savant and entertainment veteran Ben Sheehan and vetted for accuracy by dozens of experts in the field of constitutional law, OMG WTF Does the Constitution Say? is an entertaining and accessible guide that explains what the Constitution lays out.

Discussing everything from the meaning of the Second Amendment to the stated rules around Supreme Court nominations, Sheehan walks us through the entire Constitution, from its preamble to its final amendment. He also offers a bonus section on the Declaration of Independence. Extra-credit information throughout on things like amendments that were never passed and what powers elected officials actually have gives listeners all the information they need to be informed and effective voters and citizens.

"Every election, millions of people do not vote simply because they don't understand how the government works. If every American had this book they would laugh, learn, and go to the polls." (Kat Calvin, founder and executive director of Spread the Vote)

©2020 Ben Sheehan (P)2020 Black Dog & Leventhal

Critic reviews

"Finally someone has created an easy way to teach something that's so crucial to us as citizens and as a country. Read this if you want to be smart, no pressure." (Derek Waters, creator of Drunk History)

"I wish this book existed 50 years ago when I moved to the United States. Ben's Constitutional breakdown is a must-read for every current and aspiring citizen." (Arnold Schwarzenegger, former governor of California)

"Ben grew up in D.C. and had a parent who worked in the US Senate, which gave him the privilege of learning how the government works from a young age. Ben shares that privilege in OMG WTF Does the Constitution Actually Say? This clear, understandable translation of the Constitution immensely helps up understand WTF actually goes on in our government." (Ilana Glazer, activist, actress, and co-creator of Broad City)

There's a lot more to than most people remember…

(As posted in Goodreads)
Gosh, it's been a long time since I thoroughly read and study the actual Constitution – not since junior high (around 1973 or so). I have read it looking for clarification on specific aspects, but this was definitely a great reminder and clarifier.
There are definitely articles that are generally ignored and mostly forgotten by the majority of US citizens – INCLUDING our politicians! I truly think that there should be a test passed by everyone of our Senators, House of Representatives members, PRESIDENT and vice president – not to mention our judges in the Supreme Court! After all, they DO all promise to support and follow this document…
Anyway, even for those of you who don't agree with me POLITICALLY, this is a wonderful book and great reminder of what we originalist or for. The fact that I agree politically with the author, for the most part, makes it more enjoyable for me :-), but I still think that everyone ought to reading. And some of the asides and backgrounds are fabulous – for instance, the whole idea of constitutional originalism is CLEARLY not what was intended, but I digress.
Anyway, I strongly recommend this book. All citizens really ought to be familiar with the Constitution!

Together

They really put it together. I now understand a lot more of our founding documents.

My opinion

The writer has some good insights, but he lacks a true understanding of the Constitution.

OMG

A great intro to understanding the Constitution. This takes some of the mystery out of "wtf" Washington (DC) is doing.

Excellent Primer!

This is an excellent primer for what the Constitution actually says and the context in which each part was written. Well worth the listen!

great book.

all the basics with just enough commentary to keep it interesting and entertaining. good discussion on some of the context behind the actual document too.

Needs a PDF

I realize that this is an audible book, but a supplemental PDF would have been useful. My aged brain struggled sometimes, and I had to relisten a lot. Ben Sheehan does a great job explaining the constitution. It made me realize how out of touch I was with the way our government functions. This should be a must read for every American citizen.

Could do with less swearing

An excellent outline of the constitution. I’ve had many classes and similar books in the past; this one is probably the best explanation I’ve seen.

The one real knock I have against this book is that there’s profanity in it when no profanity is really needed. It doesn’t enhance the book, and all it does is keep me from sharing it with family and friends who would be offended by the language and not be able to see the great quality information present.

Listen to this!

Seriously, if we actually taught like this in school then people would f-ing learn! Very good!

Yes

Great explanation of the constitution, it should be required reading to all members of the government state, federal, and local - to much cursing for pubic schools 7-12 grades. It should have been read by trump and fascist followers- assuming they could read or listen. I find especially interesting is 2nd amendment and militia - I am research it more it may eliminate a lot of gun ownership (like that will happen - we like killing to much)