Book excerpt: The Alabama State Constitution provides an outstanding constitutional and historical account of the state's basic governing charter. In this book, William H. Stewart, an authority on the state's political and constitutional history, provides an overview of important developments since 1819 along with an in-depth, section-by-section analysis of the entire constitution, detailing the many significant changes since its initial drafting. The second edition includes updates to current provisions, new rulings on gay marriage, and touches on immigration, environmental protection, energy, and taxation. This treatment, along with a table of cases, index, and the bibliography provides an unsurpassed reference guide for students, scholars, and practitioners of Alabama's constitution.