An Introduction to the American Legal System presents the reader with the basic concepts of constitutional doctrine, legal theory, government structure, and political thought that inform the everyday thinking of an American lawyer. The book examines the United States legal system through historical events that have shaped American institutions of government, law, and politics. It demonstrates how the American legal system has accommodated social progress while maintaining the rule of law in an ever-changing and highly diverse nation.

康大安编著的《美国法律体系介绍》用原汁原味的英语详细介绍了美国法律体系的起源、发展及实施现状，是读者兼具学习美国法律和提高法律英语水平的一本好书。

《美国法律体系介绍》可作为大中院校法律英语教科书。

CHAPTER 1 A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES

Constitutional History

The Declaration of Independence

The Revolutionary War

The Articles of Confederation

The Constitutional Convention

Ratifying the Constitution

The Bill of Rights

The Constitutional Plan of Government

The Preamble of the Constitution

CHAPTER1 QUESTIONS

CHAPTER 2 ARTICLE I: THE LEGISLATWE BRANCH

Article I Section 1: Congress

Shared Law-Making Power

Oversight Power

Investigative Power

Article I Section 2: The House of Representatives

Terms of Office

Qualifications

Apportionment

Elections

Vacancies

Leadership

Impeachment Power

Article I Section 3: The Senate

Terms of Office

Qualifications

Leadership

Impeachment Power

Article I Section 4: Elections and Annual Meetings

Article I Section 5: Internal Procedures

Internal Governance

Journal of Proceedings

Adjournment

Committees

Article I Section 6: Compensation, Immunity from Arrest,and Separation of Powers

Compensation

Immunity from Arrest

Conflicts of Interest

Article I Section 7: Revenue Bills, Presidential Veto,

Checks and Balances

Revenue Bills

How Congress Enacts a Bill Into Law

How Congress Enacts a Bill Into Law

The Presidential Signature or Veto

Power Conflicts and Power Sharing Arrangements

Article I Section 8: Enumerated and Implied Powers of Congress

1. The Power to Tax

2. The Power to Borrow Money

3. The Power to Regulate Commerce

HEART OF ATLANTA MOTEL v. UNITED STATES

UNITED STATES v. LOPEZ

……

CHAPTER 3 ARTICLE II: THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH

CHAPTER 4 ARTICLE III: THE JUDICIAL BRANCH

CHAPTER 5 THE AMERICAN'SYSTEM OF COURTS

CHAPTER 6 THE CONSTITUTIONAL DOCTRINES OF SEPARATION OF POWERS,CHECKS AND BALANCES, AND FEDERALISM

CHAPTER 7 THE CONCEPT OF RIGHTS AND THE FIRST AMENDMENT

CHAPTER 8 THE CONCEPT OF RIGHTS AND THE CRIMINAL COURT PROCESS

APPENDICES

GLOSSARY

CHAPTER FOOTNOTES

BIBLIOGRAPHY