The hallmarks of this authoritative text have been strengthened throughout: its clear exposition of judicial rulings and their significance, its even-handed discussion of larger trends in American constitutional history, and a broad approach that brings politics and social developments to bear on constitutional cases.

The Seventh Edition also takes account of the major constitutional developments of the 1980s: the constitutional implications of divided government-situation in which rival parties respectively control the presidency and the Congress; the controversies over abortion, affirmative action, and issues of free speech; the general debate over original intent and constitutional change.