Fault Lines in the Constitution: The Graphic Novel

Cynthia Levinson · Sanford Levinson

Sep 2020 · Sold by First Second

About this ebook

The latest volume in our World Citizen Comics graphic novel series, Fault Lines in the Constitution teaches readers how this founding document continues to shape modern American society.

In 1787, after 116 days of heated debates and bitter arguments, the United States Constitution was created. This imperfect document set forth America’s guiding principles, but it would also introduce some of today's most contentious political issues—from gerrymandering, to the Electoral College, to presidential impeachment.

With colorful art, compelling discourse, and true stories from America's past and present, Fault Lines in the Constitution: The Graphic Novel sheds light on how today's political struggles have their origins in the decisions of our Founding Fathers.

Children’s book author Cynthia Levinson, constitutional law scholar Sanford Levinson, and artist Ally Shwed deftly illustrate how contemporary problems arose from this founding document—and then they offer possible solutions.


This book is part of the World Citizen Comics series, a bold line of civics-focused graphic novels that equip readers to be engaged citizens and informed voters.

Ratings and reviews

Not Always Graphic Novel Style; Lacks Objectivity As an American who has a deep love for our foundational document of law, this graphic novel intrigued me when I saw it at one of my favorite book review sites. By the way, not all of it reads like a traditional graphic novel with panels and dialogue balloons; parts of it are more just an illustrated book. What I was hoping I would get was an objective view of both the history of the Constitution and how it has been used and abused. Unfortunately, this book didn't feel objective at all. Parts certainly strive too hard to be politically correct, and at times show historical figures having modern sensibilities they would not have had, and in other places, the authors definitely weighed in with opinions that could be considered partisan. While I might agree with them, as they appear to be on my side of the aisle, I don't find that appropriate in the book like this. When the book was more objective, I liked how it broke down both how the framers worked through issues that then became law (like bicameralism or the Electoral College) and how the Constitution is a living, breathing document that impacts people's lives through our history and today, even if we don't think of it as directly doing so. I have recently reviewed another book on the Constitution that takes a more objective, balanced approach, and I appreciated that a lot more. Because of the lack of objectivity, I do not feel like I can recommend this book. I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

About the author

Cynthia Levinson writes award-winning nonfiction books about social justice for young readers, including The Youngest Marcher and Watch out for Flying Kids. She also braids bread with six strands, juggles up to two balls, and takes a constitutional most days. The co-authors have four thoroughly splendid grandchildren and divide their time between Austin, Texas and Boston, Massachusetts.

Sanford Levinson is a professor both at the University of Texas Law School and the University of Texas at Austin Department of Government. The author of many books on the U.S. Constitution and other subjects, he is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and received the lifetime achievement award of the Law and Courts Section of the American Political Science Association in 2010

Ally Shwed is a cartoonist, writer, and editor, originally from Linden, New Jersey. She received her Master of Fine Arts degree in Sequential Art from the Savannah College of Art & Design and has worked with The Boston Globe, Topic, Jezebel, and The Intercept. She regularly contributes to the comics journalism website The Nib and is the editor-in-chief of Little Red Bird Press, a comics publisher and printmaking studio. She currently lives in Belmar, New Jersey with her partner, cartoonist Gerardo Alba, and their cats, Egon and Schneider.