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In a recent decision, the U.S. Supreme Court held that law enforcement's use of a geofence warrant, which collected identity and location data from mobile phone users, violated the Fourth Amendment's protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. Professor Orin S. Kerr of Stanford University unpacks the decision in Chatrie v. United States and explores what it means for the future of the Fourth Amendment, privacy, and government surveillance in the digital age. Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer at the National Constitution Center, moderates. Resources Orin S. Kerr, “The Fourth Amendment After Chatrie,” Stanford Law Working Paper Series (Aug 12, 2026) Orin S. Kerr, The Digital Fourth Amendment: Privacy and Policing in Our Online World (2025) The Fourth Amendment, National Constitution Center Chatrie v. United States (2026) Case v. Montana (2026) Carpenter v. United States (2018) Riley v. California (2014) United States v. Knotts (1983) United States v. Leon (1984) Mapp v. Ohio (1961) Stay Connected and Learn More Stay connected with We the People—follow, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. Questions or comments? Email podcast@constitutioncenter.org. Follow @ConstitutionCtr on social media and sign up to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate. Support our important work by making a donation today. Donate
The inalienable right to "the pursuit of happiness" is enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, but what exactly does that phrase mean? While Americans today may associate it with the right to own land, opulence or some other act of acquisition, many prominent founders understood it to mean something quite different. In this episode National Constitution Center President & CEO Jeffrey Rosen returns to the show to give us the full story and discuss his new book The Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to check out Jeffrey's other appearances on our show in episodes 211 and 350. Highlighted Resources from the National Constitution Center –The Interactive Constitution (also available as an app in the apple and android app stores) –We The People with Jeffrey Rosen podcast (available anywhere you get The Road to Now) –Educational Video Series If you're in Philadelphia, you can visit the National Constitution Center, which is located just steps from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Click here to plan your visit! Thie conversation originally aired on February 5, 2024 as episode 295. This rebroadcast was edited by Ben Sawyer.
In this episode, prize-winning author and historian Fergus M. Bordewich discusses his latest book, Centennial: The Great Fair of 1876 and the Invention of America's Future, which explores the story of the nation's 100th birthday and the first world's fair. Bordewich traces the lives of President Rutherford B. Hayes, the inventor Alexander Graham Bell, railroad magnate Tom Scott, and the African American sculptor Edmonia Lewis—revealing a country striving to live up to the promise of the founders while bracing for the tidal wave of the 20th century. Thomas Donnelly, lead scholar at the National Constitutional Center, moderates. Resources Fergus M. Bordewich, Centennial: The Great Fair of 1876 and the Invention of America's Future (2026) Fergus M. Bordewich, Klan War: Ulysses S. Grant and the Battle to Save Reconstruction (2023) Fergus M. Bordewich, Congress at War: How Republican Reformers Fought the Civil War, Defied Lincoln, Ended Slavery, and Remade America (2020) Fergus M. Bordewich, The First Congress: How James Madison, George Washington, and a Group of Extraordinary Men Invented the Government (2016) Fergus M. Bordewich, America's Great Debate: Henry Clay, Stephen A. Douglas, and the Compromise that Preserved the Union (2012) The Hayes-Tilden Election of 1876, Live at the National Constitution Center (Oct 13, 2020) Stay Connected and Learn More Stay connected with We the People—follow, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. Questions or comments? Email podcast@constitutioncenter.org. Follow @ConstitutionCtr on social media and sign up to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate. Support our important work by making a donation today. Donate
In this episode, Timothy Sandefur joins to discuss his new book, Proclaiming Liberty: John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and the Declaration of Independence, a fast-paced intellectual history that traces how John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and their contemporaries transformed centuries of political thought into the revolutionary principles of the Declaration of Independence—and why those principles still matter today. Blending biography, political thought, and legal history, Proclaiming Liberty traces the Declaration's legacy through the abolitionist movement, the Civil War, and the modern age, documenting how its principles have continued to challenge tyranny, refute relativism, and inspire movements for justice. Julie Silverbrook, the chief content and learning officer at the National Constitution Center, moderates.
When Americans think about the Declaration of Independence, we tend to remember its most famous words: “We hold these truths to be self-evident,” and its promise of “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” But to fully understand the Declaration we also need to read the section most Americans skip: its 27 grievances against King George III. For the founding generation, these grievances were not simply a list of complaints. They were central to the Declaration's argument, laying out the case for how the King and Parliament had violated their rights and why independence had become necessary. Historian Rosemarie Zagarri explores what the grievances meant in 1776, what they reveal about the colonists' understanding of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and how reading them more closely can deepen our understanding of the Declaration as a constitutional argument and a justification for revolution. Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer at the National Constitution Center, moderates. Resources The Declaration of Independence, National Constitution Center “The Declaration's Grievances Against the King,” by Rosemarie Zagarri for the National Constitution Center Primary Source: Declaration of Independence (Short list of grievances), National Constitution Center The Promise of America: Reflections on, Our Enduring Ideals Stay Connected and Learn More Stay connected with We the People—follow, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. Questions or comments? Email podcast@constitutioncenter.org. Follow @ConstitutionCtr on social media and sign up to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate. Support our important work by making a donation today. Donate
Join Kosta and his guest: Jaime Linder, Programming and Events Coordinator at Plenty Downtown Bookshop. In this episode: This will be the first episode to air after our local election, and I want to promise everyone we'll be returning to our normally scheduled programming. Our episode today is the perfect bridge from politics back to normal life. This fall, Plenty Bookshop, in partnership with the National Constitution Center, will host a book study with 250 participants here in the Upper Cumberland to learn about our United States Constitution. How did this all come together? The Constitution of the United States is the supreme law of the United States of America. Why do so few of us understand it? You've already hosted an educational training with cohort leaders on the Constitution and what they can expect throughout this process. At the conclusion of this study, what's one takeaway you hope all participants have? It's the 250th anniversary of the United States, and by the end of this year, we'll have 250 community members who (hopefully) truly understand the mission and vision of our Constitution. How does this improve our community? What can the Constitution teach us here in Putnam County? Find out more about Plenty Downtown Bookshop: https://www.plentybookshop.org/Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is a product of Morgan Franklin Media and recorded in Cookeville, TN.This episode of Better Together with Kosta Yepifantsev is made possible by our partners at Aspire Barber and Beauty Academy.Find out more about Aspire Barber and Beauty Academy:https://aspirebarberandbeauty.com
The Supreme Court's latest term featured landmark decisions on executive power, birthright citizenship, voting rights, and more. But beyond the headlines, what did the term tell us about the Roberts Court itself? In this episode, Masha Hansford and Jonathan Adler examine the justices' opinions to explore the defining decisions, shifting coalitions, and influential concurrences and dissents that shaped the term. Together, they consider the Court's institutional role, the distinct jurisprudence of its individual justices, and what this term may signal for the future of constitutional law. Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer at the National Constitution Center, moderates. Resources 2026 Supreme Court Review: Key Decisions, Executive Power, Civil Discourse, National Constitution Center “Four cases to watch in the Supreme Court's next term,” Scott Bomboy for the National Constitution Center's Constitution Daily Blog “The Supreme Court in Review: Another Landmark Term,” Scott Bomboy for the National Constitution Center's Constitution Daily Blog Stay Connected and Learn More Stay connected with We the People—follow, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. Questions or comments? Email podcast@constitutioncenter.org. Follow @ConstitutionCtr on social media and sign up to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate. Support our important work by making a donation today. Donate
In this episode, Constitutional scholar Ilan Wurman joins for a conversation on his new book, The Constitution of 1789: A New Introduction. Written to coincide with the semiquincentennial of American independence, the book offers a fresh examination of the Constitution's origins, structure, separation of powers, and the relationship between the Constitution and the American founding. Wurman explores how the Constitution was understood at its creation and the questions that have animated constitutional debates for over two centuries. Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer at the National Constitution Center, moderates. Resources The Constitution of 1789: A New Introduction Stay Connected and Learn More Stay connected with Live at the National Constitution Center—follow, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. Questions or comments? Email podcast@constitutioncenter.org. Follow @ConstitutionCtr on social media and sign up to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate. Support our important work by making a donation today. Donate
In this episode, Nadine Strossen, New York Law School professor emerita and former president of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and Jacob Mchangama, the founder and executive director of The Future of Free Speech, discuss the history, enduring debate, and ongoing importance of free expression in our changing world. Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer at the National Constitution Center, moderates. This program is part of the NCC Across America series and is presented in partnership with the City of Asylum Bookstore in Pittsburgh, PA. It was recorded on July 21, 2026. Resources The First Amendment Jacob Mchangama, Free Speech: A History From Socrates to Social Media (2022) Jacob Mchangama and Jeff Kosseff, The Future of Free Speech: Reversing the Global Decline of Democracy's Most Essential Freedom (2026) Nadine Strossen and Greg Lukianoff, The War On Words: 10 Arguments Against Free Speech—And Why They Fail (2025) Stay Connected and Learn More Stay connected with We the People—follow, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. Questions or comments? Email podcast@constitutioncenter.org. Follow @ConstitutionCtr on social media and sign up to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate. Support our important work by making a donation today. Donate
In this episode, legal scholars Michael Ramsey and Jed Shugerman the Supreme Court's recent decisions in Trump v. Slaughter and Trump v. Cook, which address the president's authority to remove members of the executive branch. They trace the history of presidential removal power from the founding era through the Court's 1935 landmark Humphrey's Executor decision to the present day and explore what Slaughter and Cook may mean for the future of executive power. Thomas Donnelly, lead scholar at the National Constitution Center, moderates. Resources Trump v. Cook (2026) Trump v. Slaughter (2026) Humphrey's Executor v. United States (1935) “Trump v. Slaughter: Another Win for Justice Scalia,” Michael Ramsey, The Originalism Blog, June 30, 2026 Brief Amicus Curiae of Professor Jed Shugerman in Trump v. Slaughter “Supreme Court allows Trump to fire FTC member but not Fed director,” National Constitution Center's Constitution Daily Stay Connected and Learn More Stay connected with We the People—follow, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. Questions or comments? Email podcast@constitutioncenter.org. Follow @ConstitutionCtr on social media and sign up to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate. Support our important work by making a donation today. Donate
In this episode, legal scholars Jonathan Adler, Greg Garre, Katherine Mims Crocker, and Howard Wasserman discuss the state of civil discourse inside the Supreme Court and in public debate about the Court. Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer at the National Constitution Center, moderates. This conversation was recorded live in Philadelphia on July 7, 2026, as part of the National Constitution Center's 2026 Supreme Court Review, which is presented in partnership with the Center on the Structural Constitution at Texas A&M University School of Law. The program featured three panels with scholars of differing perspectives examining the Court's 2025–2026 term, its approach to executive power, and civil discourse surrounding the Court. Resources 2026 Supreme Court Review: Key Decisions, Executive Power, Civil Discourse, National Constitution Center “Retired Justice Kennedy laments coarse discourse of Trump era and its effects on the Supreme Court,” Associated Press, Oct. 8, 2025 “Justice Thomas Bemoans Incivility as Security Prompts Cancellation of In-Person Speech,” The New York Times, Feb. 27, 2026 “Justices Hint at Strains as Supreme Court Comes Under Scrutiny,” The New York Times, May 18, 2026 “Takeaways From Rare Congressional Testimony by Two Supreme Court Justices,” The New York Times, July 15, 2026 Stay Connected and Learn More Stay connected with Live at the National Constitution Center—follow, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. Questions or comments? Email podcast@constitutioncenter.org. Follow @ConstitutionCtr on social media and sign up to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate. Support our important work by making a donation today. Donate
In this episode, legal scholars Jonathan Adler, Greg Garre, Katherine Mims Crocker, and Howard Wasserman discuss the state of civil discourse inside the Supreme Court and in public debate about the Court. Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer at the National Constitution Center, moderates. This conversation was recorded live in Philadelphia on July 7, 2026, as part of the National Constitution Center's 2026 Supreme Court Review, which is presented in partnership with the Center on the Structural Constitution at Texas A&M University School of Law. The program featured three panels with scholars of differing perspectives examining the Court's 2025–2026 term, its approach to executive power, and civil discourse surrounding the Court. Resources 2026 Supreme Court Review: Key Decisions, Executive Power, Civil Discourse, National Constitution Center “Retired Justice Kennedy laments coarse discourse of Trump era and its effects on the Supreme Court,” Associated Press, Oct. 8, 2025 “Justice Thomas Bemoans Incivility as Security Prompts Cancellation of In-Person Speech,” The New York Times, Feb. 27, 2026 “Justices Hint at Strains as Supreme Court Comes Under Scrutiny,” The New York Times, May 18, 2026 “Takeaways From Rare Congressional Testimony by Two Supreme Court Justices,” The New York Times, July 15, 2026 Stay Connected and Learn More Stay connected with We the People—follow, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. Questions or comments? Email podcast@constitutioncenter.org. Follow @ConstitutionCtr on social media and sign up to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate. Support our important work by making a donation today. Donate
In this episode, legal scholars Gillian Metzger, Julian Mortenson, and Ilya Somin discuss the Supreme Court's approach to executive power in recent decisions. Thomas Donnelly, lead scholar at the National Constitution Center, moderates. This conversation was recorded live in Philadelphia on July 7, 2026, as part of the National Constitution Center's 2026 Supreme Court Review, which is presented in partnership with the Center on the Structural Constitution at Texas A&M University School of Law. The program featured three panels with scholars of differing perspectives examining the Court's 2025-2026 term, its approach to executive power, and civil discourse within and concerning the Court. Resources 2026 Supreme Court Review: Key Decisions, Executive Power, Civil Discourse, National Constitution Center Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump (2026) Trump v. Slaughter (2026) Trump v. Cook (2026) Trump v. Illinois (2025) Stay Connected and Learn More Stay connected with Live at the National Constitution Center—follow, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. Questions or comments? Email podcast@constitutioncenter.org. Follow @ConstitutionCtr on social media and sign up to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate. Support our important work by making a donation today. Donate
In this episode, legal scholars Gillian Metzger, Julian Mortenson, and Ilya Somin discuss the Supreme Court's approach to executive power in recent decisions. Thomas Donnelly, lead scholar at the National Constitution Center, moderates. This conversation was recorded live in Philadelphia on July 7, 2026, as part of the National Constitution Center's 2026 Supreme Court Review, which is presented in partnership with the Center on the Structural Constitution at Texas A&M University School of Law. The program featured three panels with scholars of differing perspectives examining the Court's 2025-2026 term, its approach to executive power, and civil discourse within and concerning the Court. Resources 2026 Supreme Court Review: Key Decisions, Executive Power, Civil Discourse, National Constitution Center Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump (2026) Trump v. Slaughter (2026) Trump v. Cook (2026) Trump v. Illinois (2025) Stay Connected and Learn More Stay connected with We the People—follow, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. Questions or comments? Email podcast@constitutioncenter.org. Follow @ConstitutionCtr on social media and sign up to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate. Support our important work by making a donation today. Donate
As a bonus, today we're sharing a special episode of The Blessings of Liberty, a new podcast from Open to Debate debater Jeffrey Rosen and our friends at FIRE, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. In celebration of America's 250th anniversary, Jeffrey sits down with award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns, walking through the Declaration of Independence, clause by clause, to encapsulate the big ideas at the heart of the American story. The Blessings of Liberty is a weekly podcast hosted by Jeffrey Rosen — CEO Emeritus of the National Constitution Center, professor of law at George Washington University Law School, and senior fellow at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. Learn more and subscribe on Substack, Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. To continue the conversation, visit Open to Debate's Substack—share your perspective on this episode and subscribe to our weekly newsletter for curated insights from our debaters, moderators, and staff. Follow us on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and TikTok to stay connected with our mission and ongoing debates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode, we're sharing a recent America's Town Hall event which explores the Constitution and the Courts at the 250th anniversary of America's founding. Kevin Arlyck of Georgetown Law Center discusses his book, The Nation at Sea The Federal Courts and American Sovereignty, 1789–1825, which tells a new story about the federal judiciary, and about the early United States itself. Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer at the National Constitution Center, moderates. This program is presented in partnership with the Federal Judicial Center. Resources Annotated Declaration of Independence, National Constitution Center Interactive Constitution, National Constitution Center The Promise of America: Reflections on Our Enduring Ideals Kevin Arlyck, The Nation at Sea The Federal Courts and American Sovereignty, 1789–1825 (2025) Stay Connected and Learn More Questions or comments? Email us at programs@constitutioncenter.org Join us for another upcoming live programs from the NCC. Follow @ConstitutionCtr on social media and subscribe to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate delivered right to your inbox. Support our important work by making a donation today. Donate
In this episode, we're sharing a recent America's Town Hall event which explores the Constitution and the Courts at the 250th anniversary of America's founding. This discussion, Interpreting the Constitution in the Founding Era, features Akhil Reed Amar, Christopher Bonner, and Gerald F. Leonard moderated by Thomas Donnelly, lead scholar at the National Constitution Center. This program is presented in partnership with the Federal Judicial Center. Resources Annotated Declaration of Independence, National Constitution Center Interactive Constitution, National Constitution Center The Promise of America: Reflections on Our Enduring Ideals Stay Connected and Learn More Questions or comments? Email us at programs@constitutioncenter.org Join us for another upcoming live programs from the NCC. Follow @ConstitutionCtr on social media and subscribe to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate delivered right to your inbox. Support our important work by making a donation today. Donate
It's Monday and Lauretta has her mind on preparing for the next 250 Years of America. She's focused on this after having celebrated our great nation, the United States of America this past weekend. After her shout out to her prayer warriors requesting ongoing prayers for our nation, for peace, for the war with Iran, for the Ukrainian/Russian war, for Jimmy Li who remains in jail in Japan and for world leaders for peace, she congratulates Pope Leo XIV on receiving the Liberty Medal this past weekend. This honor is bestowed on individuals that strive to secure the blessings of liberty world-wide by the National Constitution Center. Lauretta goes on to share some of Pope Leo's words from his acceptance speech, some of his activities this past weekend as well as sharing how Pope Leo celebrated our nation on the Fourth of July. During the second half of the show, Lauretta focuses on discussing what she identifies as the greatest threat to our nation, communism. She discusses what it is, what it looks like and how to educate yourself so you can identify it when you see it coming. She offers suggestions on how to educate yourself in preparation for this and encourages you to get involved civilly. St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish
Pope Leo today received the National Constitution Center's liberty medal and gave an acceptance speech via livestream from the Vatican. Colleen Dulle recaps his message. Links from the show: Read: Pope Leo's message to the United States on its 250th anniversary Subscribe to America Magazine (use promo code VATICAN for $10 off an annual digital subscription) Fill out our listener survey! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Richard Epstein and Martha Jones discuss the Supreme Court's landmark decision in Trump v. Barbara, which struck down President Trump's Executive Order on birthright citizenship. At issue in the case was whether the Constitution guarantees citizenship to children born to parents unlawfully or temporarily present in the United States. The Court concluded that it did. Thomas Donnelly, lead scholar at the National Constitution Center, moderates. Resources Trump v. Barbara (2026) Brief of Amicus Curiae Professor Richard A. Epstein Brief of Historians Martha S. Jones and Kate Masur as Amici Curiae “Supreme Court strikes down Trump's birthright citizenship executive order in landmark decision,” Scott Bomboy for the National Constitution Center's Constitution Daily Blog “In birthright citizenship opinions, a major constitutional disagreement,” Marcia Coyle for the National Constitution Center's Constitution Daily Blog United States v. Wong Kim Ark (1898), National Constitution Center The Citizenship Clause, National Constitution Center Stay Connected and Learn More Stay connected with We the People—follow, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. Questions or comments? Email podcast@constitutioncenter.org. Follow @ConstitutionCtr on social media and sign up to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate. Support our important work by making a donation today. Donate
Founding Fathers Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton fought for independence and they also fought each other. Jeffrey Rosen, former president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, joins host Krys Boyd to discuss the battles Jefferson and Hamilton had over concepts of liberty and freedom, where they landed on states' rights vs. a powerful federal government, and why their arguments still frame political battles we have today. His book is “Pursuit of Liberty: How Hamilton vs. Jefferson Ignited the Lasting Battle over Power in America.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
A divided Supreme Court ended its term by delivering a series of blockbuster rulings on birthright citizenship, transgendered participation in sports, and campaign finance restrictions, reshaping the nation's legal and political landscape. FOX News Sunday anchor Shannon Bream joins to discuss the intense 14th Amendment debate surrounding birthright citizenship, the court's decision allowing states to ban transgender athletes from female sports, and how the court's unique ideological splits impact the administration's major policy wins and losses. Bream also discusses the political implications of the High Court's historic decisions. As the nation prepares to celebrate its landmark 250th birthday, Americans are descending on the National Mall in D.C. to reflect on the vast history and the values that shaped our democratic experiment. But if the Founding Fathers stepped into 2026, what would they actually think of the country they built? Jeffrey Rosen, CEO Emeritus of the National Constitution Center, joins FOX's Lucas Tomlinson to discuss his book, Pursuit of Liberty, and how the clashing visions of Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson ignited a timeless struggle for control. PLUS, commentary by FOX News contributor Joe Concha. PHOTO CREDIT: AP IMAGES Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A divided Supreme Court ended its term by delivering a series of blockbuster rulings on birthright citizenship, transgendered participation in sports, and campaign finance restrictions, reshaping the nation's legal and political landscape. FOX News Sunday anchor Shannon Bream joins to discuss the intense 14th Amendment debate surrounding birthright citizenship, the court's decision allowing states to ban transgender athletes from female sports, and how the court's unique ideological splits impact the administration's major policy wins and losses. Bream also discusses the political implications of the High Court's historic decisions. As the nation prepares to celebrate its landmark 250th birthday, Americans are descending on the National Mall in D.C. to reflect on the vast history and the values that shaped our democratic experiment. But if the Founding Fathers stepped into 2026, what would they actually think of the country they built? Jeffrey Rosen, CEO Emeritus of the National Constitution Center, joins FOX's Lucas Tomlinson to discuss his book, Pursuit of Liberty, and how the clashing visions of Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson ignited a timeless struggle for control. PLUS, commentary by FOX News contributor Joe Concha. PHOTO CREDIT: AP IMAGES Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A divided Supreme Court ended its term by delivering a series of blockbuster rulings on birthright citizenship, transgendered participation in sports, and campaign finance restrictions, reshaping the nation's legal and political landscape. FOX News Sunday anchor Shannon Bream joins to discuss the intense 14th Amendment debate surrounding birthright citizenship, the court's decision allowing states to ban transgender athletes from female sports, and how the court's unique ideological splits impact the administration's major policy wins and losses. Bream also discusses the political implications of the High Court's historic decisions. As the nation prepares to celebrate its landmark 250th birthday, Americans are descending on the National Mall in D.C. to reflect on the vast history and the values that shaped our democratic experiment. But if the Founding Fathers stepped into 2026, what would they actually think of the country they built? Jeffrey Rosen, CEO Emeritus of the National Constitution Center, joins FOX's Lucas Tomlinson to discuss his book, Pursuit of Liberty, and how the clashing visions of Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson ignited a timeless struggle for control. PLUS, commentary by FOX News contributor Joe Concha. PHOTO CREDIT: AP IMAGES Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Us with Dr. Crystallee Crain - Critical Conversations On The Challenges Of Our Time
HER 250, Episode 1:This country is turning 250. But whose independence are we actually celebrating?In the opening episode of HER 250, Dr. Crystallee Crain pulls back the curtain on America's founding to ask a question the parades won't: where were the women of color when this nation was born — and why were their stories left out of the textbooks?Dr. Crain tells the story of Ona Judge, a 22-year-old woman enslaved by George Washington who escaped his household in 1796 rather than be given away as a wedding gift, and who evaded the first president's repeated attempts to recapture her for the rest of her life.[1] She introduces Elizabeth "Mumbet" Freeman, who sued for her freedom in Massachusetts in 1781 using the state's own constitutional language — and won, becoming the first African American woman to do so.[2]The episode turns to the Indigenous women erased from the founding narrative entirely, including Lozen, the Apache warrior and prophet known as "a shield to her people," who fought alongside her brother Chief Victorio and died a prisoner of war.[3] Dr. Crain also confronts the federal Indian boarding school system — a policy that operated from 1819 into the 1960s and has been linked to hundreds of confirmed child deaths and dozens of burial sites, according to a 2022–2024 federal investigation.[4]The episode closes by connecting this history directly to the present: today's stark racial disparities in maternal health outcomes, Dr. Crain argues, are not an accident — they're the long shadow of a founding that never accounted for these women in the first place.[5][1] Ona Judge's escape from George Washington's household, the circumstances surrounding it, and Washington's repeated attempts at recapture are documented by the National Park Service ("Ona Judge Escapes to Freedom," nps.gov), George Washington's Mount Vernon ("Ona Judge," mountvernon.org), and Smithsonian Magazine. Judge's own account is drawn from her 1845 interview published in The Granite Freeman.[2] Elizabeth Freeman's 1781 freedom suit, Brom and Bett v. Ashley, is documented by the National Constitution Center ("Elizabeth Freeman, her case for freedom, and the Massachusetts Constitution," constitutioncenter.org) and the National Women's History Museum (womenshistory.org).[3] Lozen's role in the Apache Wars, her relationship to Chief Victorio, and her death in U.S. custody at Mount Vernon Barracks, Alabama in 1889 are documented via historian Eve Ball's recorded oral histories (In the Days of Victorio, University of Arizona Press, 1970) and the New Mexico Historic Women Marker Program (nmhistoricwomen.org).[4] Federal Indian boarding school data is drawn from the U.S. Department of the Interior's Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative Investigative Report, Volume 1 (May 2022, doi.gov) and the 2024 follow-up findings reported by the Equal Justice Initiative (eji.org), confirming 408 federal schools across 37 states/territories (1819–1969), at least 973 confirmed child deaths, and 74 identified burial sites at 65 schools.[5] Maternal mortality disparities are drawn from the CDC National Center for Health Statistics, "Maternal Mortality Rates in the United States, 2024" (cdc.gov/nchs), reporting a rate of 44.8 deaths per 100,000 live births for Black women versus 14.2 for white women.Sound:Epidemic Sound - Timelapse Title: nothanks
Jeffrey Rosen is a legal scholar and the President of the National Constitution Center. He's the author "the Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America."
Happiness is a complex emotion and mental state that can be achieved through virtue or pleasure. But should it be for the good of the individual or society? Those in favor of virtue point to the Stoics and the Founding Fathers, saying you should strive for a life of moral virtue and rationality. Those in favor of pleasure say everyone should be able to experience it and define their sources of happiness. Now we debate: The Pursuit of Happiness: Virtue or Pleasure? Arguing Virtue: Jeffrey Rosen, CEO & President of the National Constitution Center; Author of “The Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America” Arguing Pleasure: Roger Crisp, Professor of Moral Philosophy at the University of Oxford; Uehiro Fellow and Tutor in Philosophy at St. Anne's College, Oxford Nayeema Raza, Journalist at New York Magazine and Vox, is the guest moderator. Join the conversation on Substack—share your perspective on this episode and subscribe to our weekly newsletter for curated insights from our debaters, moderators, and staff. Follow us on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and TikTok to stay connected with our mission and ongoing debates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode, David Blight, Robert P. George, and Annette Gordon-Reed explore the enduring ideas at the core of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution—including equality, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and government by consent—and examine how those principles have been debated, interpreted, and contested over time. Moderated by Thomas Donnelly, lead scholar at the National Constitution Center, the conversation invites audiences to engage deeply with the ideas that launched a nation and to consider how our shared constitutional story continues to unfold. This conversation was recorded live in Philadelphia on June 8, 2026, as part of the NCC's America's Town Hall series. It is presented in partnership with the Organization of American Historians and the Sandra Day O'Connor Institute. Resources Annotated Declaration of Independence, National Constitution Center Interactive Constitution, National Constitution Center The Promise of America: Reflections on Our Enduring Ideals Stay Connected and Learn More Stay connected with We the People—follow, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. Questions or comments about the show? Email podcast@constitutioncenter.org Follow @ConstitutionCtr on social media and Sign up to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate. Support our important work by making a donation today. Donate
Willy sat down with Jeffrey Rosen, bestselling author, George Washington University law professor, contributing editor at The Atlantic, and CEO emeritus of the National Constitution Center, for a timely discussion about America's founding ideals as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. Willy and Jeffrey explored the enduring relevance of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, from liberty, equality, and government by consent to the lasting tension between Hamiltonian federal power and Jeffersonian democracy. They also discussed the founders' warnings about faction, demagoguery, civic virtue, and the responsibility of citizens to preserve civil dialogue in a polarized age. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, David Blight, Robert P. George, and Annette Gordon-Reed explore the enduring ideas at the core of the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution—including equality, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and government by consent—and examine how those principles have been debated, interpreted, and contested over time. Moderated by Thomas Donnelly, lead scholar at the National Constitution Center, this conversation invites audiences to engage deeply with the ideas that launched a nation, and to consider how our shared constitutional story continues to unfold. Resources Annotated Declaration of Independence, National Constitution Center Interactive Constitution, National Constitution Center The Promise of America: Reflections on Our Enduring Ideals Stay Connected and Learn More Questions or comments? Email us at programs@constitutioncenter.org Join us for another upcoming live programs from the NCC. Follow @ConstitutionCtr on social media and subscribe to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate delivered right to your inbox. Support our important work by making a donation today. Donate
The National Constitution Center recently published The Promise of America: Reflections on Our Enduring Ideals (Simon & Schuster), a keepsake collection of essays bringing together leading thinkers from across perspectives to reflect on the ideals at the heart of the American experiment and what those principles have meant across generations of American life. In this episode, Professor Eric Slauter discusses his essay, “The Declaration's Promises,” which explores how the Declaration of Independence evolved from a justification of America's separation from the British Empire into a global charter of liberty. As Slauter writes, in 1776, “very few in the newly United States besides a small contingent of Black and white antislavery activists would have seen the Declaration as a document of radical egalitarianism or even as a founding document.” However, over time, figures like Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Frederick Douglass, Abraham Lincoln, and Martin Luther King Jr. transformed the phrase “all men are created equal” into a foundational national promise and a powerful tool for social change. As Slauter notes, “it is largely their Declaration, as much as Jefferson's or Congress's, that we continue to celebrate today.” Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer at the National Constitution Center, moderates. Resources Eric Slauter, “The Declaration's Promises” National Constitution Center, The Declaration of Independence Stay Connected and Learn More Stay connected with We the People—follow, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. Questions or comments? Email podcast@constitutioncenter.org. Follow @ConstitutionCtr on social media and sign up to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate. Support our important work by making a donation today. Donate
The separation of powers, federalism, and the rule of law are critical elements of American constitutional democracy. Judge Bernice Donald, formerly of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee and U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit; Judge Robert Kugler, formerly of the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey and U.S. Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court; and Judge Thomas Griffith, formerly of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, explore the current state of these fundamental constitutional principles. Julie Silverbrook, the chief content and learning officer at the National Constitution Center, moderates. This program was presented in partnership with Keep Our Republic's Article III Coalition, a bipartisan group of retired federal district and circuit court judges dedicated to safeguarding the separation of powers and preserving an independent judiciary. The Coalition's civic education work informs citizens why an independent judiciary matters, how courts safeguard rights and maintain constitutional checks and balances, and the critical role that impartial justice plays in keeping our republic. Resources Constitution 101: Separation of Powers and Federalism, National Constitution Center Stay Connected and Learn More Questions or comments about the show? Email us at podcast@constitutioncenter.org Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr Explore the America at 250 Civic Toolkit Sign up to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen Join us for an upcoming live program or watch recordings on YouTube Support our important work Donate
If you ask Americans to name the signers of the Declaration of Independence, they will probably mention John Hancock, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams. But what about the other 52 delegates from the 13 colonies who signed the document? Men like Thomas McKean, Lyman Hall, George Walton, Francis Lewis, Benjamin Rush, and Roger Sherman? Historian Carol Berkin, one of the nation's leading scholars of the founding era and the author of the National Constitution Center's definitive short biographies of all 56 signers, joins the Center to explore the stories of these lesser-known signers. Berkin reveals these figures not as distant icons, but as real people whose lives were marked by ambition, sacrifice, hardship, resilience, and public service. As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, Berkin explains why understanding the full cast of characters behind American independence can deepen our appreciation of the nation's founding and the ongoing work of constitutional self-government. Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer at the National Constitution Center, moderates. Resources Josiah Bartlett (New Hampshire), National Constitution Center Elbridge Gerry (Massachusetts), National Constitution Center Button Gwinnett (Georgia), National Constitution Center Lyman Hall (Georgia), National Constitution Center Francis Lewis (New York), National Constitution Center Thomas McKean (Delaware), National Constitution Center Robert Morris, Jr. (Pennsylvania), National Constitution Center Benjamin Rush (Pennsylvania), National Constitution Center Roger Sherman (Connecticut), National Constitution Center Richard Stockton (New Jersey), National Constitution Center George Walton (Georgia), National Constitution Center Biographies of all the Declaration's Signers, National Constitution Center Stay Connected and Learn More Questions or comments about the show? Email us at podcast@constitutioncenter.org Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr Explore the America at 250 Civic Toolkit Sign up to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen Join us for an upcoming live program or watch recordings on YouTube Support our important work Donate
In this episode, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Neil M. Gorsuch, honorary co-chair of the National Constitution Center, and his co-author and former law clerk Janie Nitze join the Center to discuss their new children's book, Heroes of 1776: The Story of the Declaration of Independence (HarperCollins; May 5, 2026). Designed for families and learners of all ages, this Civic Story Hour program invites audiences into the human stories behind the Declaration of Independence. Heroes of 1776 introduces readers to both familiar figures such as Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Paul Revere, as well as lesser-known participants in the American story, including Caesar Rodney, Thomas Paine, and Mary Katharine Goddard. Together, their stories highlight the risks, choices, and debates that shaped the nation's founding. Blending vivid storytelling with historical detail, the book centers the lived experiences behind the founding era and invites young readers to consider the enduring ideals of the Declaration. Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer at the National Constitution Center, moderates. Resources Heroes of 1776: The Story of the Declaration of Independence Stay Connected and Learn More Questions or comments about the show? Email us at podcast@constitutioncenter.org Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr Explore the America at 250 Civic Toolkit Sign up to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen Join us for an upcoming live program or watch recordings on YouTube Support our important work Donate
In this episode, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, retired, honorary co-chair of the National Constitution Center, joins to discuss The Promise of America: Reflections on Our Enduring Ideals, a new keepsake volume from the National Constitution Center. Justice Breyer, who wrote the book's foreword, reflects on the enduring constitutional ideals explored in the volume and their continued relevance today. He is joined by the Honorable Cheryl Ann Krause, judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and member of the National Constitution Center Board of Trustees. This conversation was streamed live from Philadelphia as part of the NCC's America's Town Hall series on May 16, 2026. Resources The Promise of America: Reflections on Our Enduring Ideals Justice Stephen G. Breyer, “It's up to us whether the American experiment succeeds,” (USA Today, May 11, 2026) Justice Neil Gorsuch, “How Imperfect People Form a More Perfect Union,” (Wall Street Journal, May 8, 2026) Reflections on Our Enduring Ideals: A Conversation with Justice Stephen Breyer , National Constitution Center, America's Town Hall Stay Connected and Learn More Questions or comments about the show? Email us at podcast@constitutioncenter.org Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr Explore the America at 250 Civic Toolkit Sign up to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen Join us for an upcoming live program or watch recordings on YouTube Support our important work Donate
It is an honor to introduce the initial episode of our new sister podcast: The Blessings of Liberty, hosted by Jeffrey Rosen, president emeritus of the National Constitution Center and Professor of Law at GW. Prof. Rosen begins with a bang, as he holds a discussion with US Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, including two books newly authored or contributed to by Justice Gorsuch. We precede this with our own interview of Jeff Rosen, discussing the mission of his new podcast and his special passion for history, the Constitution, and the American idea. Meanwhile, listen, too, for a special EverScholar opportunity for our loyal podcast audience. CLE credit is available for lawyers and judges from podcast.njsba.com.
In this episode, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and National Constitution Center Semiquincentennial Scholar Jon Meacham joins the Center to discuss The Promise of America: Reflections on Our Enduring Ideals. Presented by the National Constitution Center, The Promise of America is an inspirational collection of essays exploring the founding principles that continue to shape American democracy from the nation's leading constitutional scholars. This print volume builds on the foundation of the Center's Interactive Declaration of Independence and America at 250 Civic Toolkit, bringing together new essays, primary sources, and interpretive scholarship in a lasting, portable format designed to support deeper reflection and shared civic dialogue. Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer at the National Constitution Center, moderates. Resources The Promise of America: Reflections on Our Enduring Ideals Stay Connected and Learn More Questions or comments about the show? Email us at podcast@constitutioncenter.org Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr Explore the America at 250 Civic Toolkit Sign up to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen Join us for an upcoming live program or watch recordings on YouTube Support our important work Donate
The National Constitution Center recently published The Promise of America: Reflections on Our Enduring Ideals (Simon & Schuster), a keepsake collection of essays bringing together leading thinkers from across perspectives to reflect on the ideals at the heart of the American experiment and what those principles have meant across generations of American life. In this episode, Professor David Armitage discusses his essay, “The Declaration's Influence Around the World,” which explores the document's international legacy as a powerful blueprint for collective rights and national self-determination, and its ever-evolving domestic legacy as a touchstone for individual rights and human equality. Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer at the National Constitution Center, moderates. Resources David Armitage, “The Declaration's Influence Around the World” National Constitution Center, The Declaration of Independence Lemuel Haynes, “Liberty Further Extended” (1776) Vermont Declaration of Independence (1777) French Declaration of the Rights of Man (1789) Haitian Declaration of Independence (1804) Venezuelan Declaration of Independence (1811) Greek Declaration of Independence (1822) Belgian Declaration of Independence (1830) New Zealand Declaration of Independence (1835) Texas Declaration of Independence (1836) Liberia Declaration of Independence (1847) Declaration of Sentiments (1848) Hungary Declaration of Independence (1849) Proclamation of Independence of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (1945) Israel Declaration of Independence (1948) Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) Unilateral Declaration of Independence of Southern Rhodesia (1965) The Black Declaration of Independence (1970) Kosovo Declaration of Independence (2008) Stay Connected and Learn More Questions or comments about the show? Email us at podcast@constitutioncenter.org Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr Explore the America at 250 Civic Toolkit Sign up to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen Join us for an upcoming live program or watch recordings on YouTube Support our important work Donate
In this episode of Liberty + Leadership, Roger Ream sits down with Stock Executive Search CEO and TFAS alumnus Toby Stock to discuss leadership, civic culture and the habits that shape successful careers and institutions. Toby reflects on his work with prominent public intellectuals and organizations including the American Enterprise Institute, the National Constitution Center, Harvard Law School and The Dispatch, where he helped launch the media company alongside Jonah Goldberg and Steve Hayes. Together, they discuss the qualities that define effective leaders, the difference between management and leadership, the importance of courage and integrity in public life and why developing sound judgment matters more than ever for young professionals. The conversation also explores America 250, the current state of civic education, Congress and institutional incentives and the opportunities and risks presented by artificial intelligence. Toby also shares practical advice for students and young professionals seeking careers in Washington and beyond.The Liberty + Leadership Podcast is hosted by TFAS president Roger Ream and produced by Podville Media. If you have a comment or question for the show, please email us at podcast@TFAS.org. To support TFAS and its mission, please visit TFAS.org/support.Support the show
In this episode, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer (Ret.), honorary co-chair of the National Constitution Center, joins to discuss The Promise of America: Reflections on Our Enduring Ideals, a new keepsake volume from the National Constitution Center. Justice Breyer, who wrote the book's foreword, reflects on the enduring constitutional ideals explored in the volume and their continued relevance today. He is joined in conversation with the Honorable Cheryl Ann Krause, judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and member of the National Constitution Center board of trustees. Resources The Promise of America: Reflections on Our Enduring Ideals Justice Stephen G. Breyer, “It's up to us whether the American experiment succeeds,” (USA Today, May 11, 2026) Justice Neil Gorsuch, “How Imperfect People Form a More Perfect Union,” (Wall Street Journal, May 8, 2026) Stay Connected and Learn More Questions or comments about the show? Email us at podcast@constitutioncenter.org Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr Explore the America at 250 Civic Toolkit Sign up to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen Join us for an upcoming live program or watch recordings on YouTube Support our important work Donate
In this episode, Michael Auslin joins to discuss his new book, National Treasure: How the Declaration of Independence Made America, a sweeping and vivid history of the Declaration of Independence from its drafting to its enduring role in American life today. Tracing the remarkable journey of this iconic document—from a Philadelphia boarding house to wartime hiding places and its place as a national symbol—Auslin explores how its ideals of liberty and equality have inspired generations and continue to shape the American experiment. Thomas Donnelly, lead scholar at the National Constitution Center, moderates. This program was streamed live on May 6, 2026, as part of the NCC's Book Club Series. Resources Michael Auslin, National Treasure: How the Declaration of Independence Made America (2026) National Constitution Center, Interactive Declaration of Independence Stay Connected and Learn More Questions or comments about the show? Email us at podcast@constitutioncenter.org Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr Explore the America at 250 Civic Toolkit Sign up to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen Join us for an upcoming live program or watch recordings on YouTube Support our important work Donate
In this episode, Michael Auslin joins to discuss his new book, National Treasure: How the Declaration of Independence Made America, a sweeping and vivid history of the Declaration of Independence from its drafting to its enduring role in American life today. Tracing the remarkable journey of this iconic document—from a Philadelphia boarding house to wartime hiding places and its place as a national symbol—Auslin explores how its ideals of liberty and equality have inspired generations and continue to shape the American experiment. Thomas Donnelly, lead scholar at the National Constitution Center, moderates. Resources Michael Auslin, National Treasure: How the Declaration of Independence Made America National Constitution Center, Interactive Declaration of Independence Stay Connected and Learn More Questions or comments about the show? Email us at podcast@constitutioncenter.org Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr Explore the America at 250 Civic Toolkit Sign up to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen Join us for an upcoming live program or watch recordings on YouTube Support our important work Donate
In this episode, Jonathan Adler of William & Mary Law School and Stephen Vladeck of Georgetown University Law Center explore a part of the Supreme Court's work that has drawn growing public attention: its emergency, or “shadow,” docket. Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer at the National Constitution Center, moderates. Resources Jonathan Adler, “Reading the Clean Power Plan "Shadow Papers" in Context,” The Volokh Conspiracy (April 22, 2026) Jonathan Adler, “Mifepristone Returns to the Shadow Docket,” The Volokh Conspiracy (May 3, 2026) Stephen Vladeck, The Shadow Docket: How the Supreme Court Uses Stealth Rulings to Amass Power and Undermine the Republic (2024) Stephen Vladeck, “Chief Justice Roberts and the Clean Power Plan,” OneFirst (April 20, 2026) City of Los Angeles v. Lyons (1983) Massachusetts v. EPA (2007) Winter v. NRDC (2008) West Virginia v. EPA (2016) Biden v. Texas (2022) United States v. Texas (2023) FDA v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine (2024) Trump v. CASA (2024) NIH v. American Public Health Association (2025) Stay Connected and Learn More Questions or comments about the show? Email us at podcast@constitutioncenter.org Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr Explore the America at 250 Civic Toolkit Sign up to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen Join us for an upcoming live program or watch recordings on YouTube Support our important work Donate
Sai Prakash joins to discuss his new book, The Presidential Pardon: The Short Clause with a Long, Troubled History. The Constitution's Pardon Clause grants the president a power unmatched in scope and consequence. In The Presidential Pardon, Prakash explores how this brief clause has grown into the most expansive and controversial tool of the modern presidency. Thomas Donnelly, lead scholar at the National Constitution Center, moderates. Additional Resources Sai Prakash, The Presidential Pardon: The Short Clause with a Long, Troubled History National Constitution Center, Article II and the Pardon Clause National Constitution Center, The Nixon pardon in constitutional retrospect National Constitution Center, 10 famous people who received presidential pardons Stay Connected and Learn More Questions or comments about the show? Email us at podcast@constitutioncenter.org Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr Explore the America at 250 Civic Toolkit Sign up to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen Join us for an upcoming live program or watch recordings on YouTube Support our important work Donate
On April 29, 2026, in Louisiana v. Callais, the Supreme Court invalidated a Louisiana congressional map, holding that racial considerations cannot predominate in the drawing of electoral districts. The ruling narrowed Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by requiring plaintiffs to show intentional discrimination, not just discriminatory effects. In this episode, we explore the Court's 6-3 decision and what it means for the future of the Voting Rights Act with two leading election law scholars: Edward Foley of The Ohio State University and Michael Morley of Florida State University College of Law. Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer at the National Constitution Center, moderates. Resources Edward Foley, “The Supreme Court's indefensible evisceration of the Voting Rights Act,” SCOTUSblog, May 5, 2026 Michael Morley, “Voting Rights Case Sets Stage for 2050's Multiracial Democracy,” Bloomberg Law, May 6, 2026 Louisiana v. Callais (2026) Allen v. Milligan (2023) Robinson v. Ardoin (2022) Brnovich v. Democratic National Committee (2021) Shelby County v. Holder (2013) Thornburg v. Gingles (1986) Voting Rights Act (1965) National Constitution Center, “The Supreme Court's Callais decision sets new framework for racial gerrymandering” (April 30, 2026) National Constitution Center, Voting Rights Classroom Resources National Constitution Center, Elections and Voting in the Constitution (Constitution 101 Curriculum) Stay Connected and Learn More Questions or comments about the show? Email us at podcast@constitutioncenter.org Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr Explore the America at 250 Civic Toolkit Sign up to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen Join us for an upcoming live program or watch recordings on YouTube Support our important work Donate
Sarah Isgur joins for a conversation on her new book, Last Branch Standing: A Potentially Surprising, Occasionally Witty Journey Inside Today's Supreme Court. Drawing on history, law, and current debates, Sarah Isgur offers an engaging look at the Supreme Court, exploring its unique role in American democracy, how the Court became the nation's “last branch standing,” and what its growing power means for the future of the Constitution. Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer at the National Constitution Center, moderates. Resources Sarah Isgur, Last Branch Standing: A Potentially Surprising, Occasionally Witty Journey Inside Today's Supreme Court Stay Connected and Learn More Questions or comments about the show? Email us at podcast@constitutioncenter.org Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr Explore the America at 250 Civic Toolkit Sign up to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen Join us for an upcoming live program or watch recordings on YouTube Support our important work Donate
Sarah Isgur joins for a conversation on her new book, Last Branch Standing: A Potentially Surprising, Occasionally Witty Journey Inside Today's Supreme Court. Drawing on history, law, and current debates, Sarah Isgur offers an engaging look at the Supreme Court, exploring its unique role in American democracy, how the Court became the nation's “last branch standing,” and what its growing power means for the future of the Constitution. Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer at the National Constitution Center, moderates. This conversation was originally streamed live as part of the NCC's Book Club series on April 27, 2026. Resources Sarah Isgur, Last Branch Standing: A Potentially Surprising, Occasionally Witty Journey Inside Today's Supreme Court (2026) Civic Parenting, a new podcast from the National Constitution Center Stay Connected and Learn More Questions or comments about the show? Email us at podcast@constitutioncenter.org Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr Explore the America at 250 Civic Toolkit Sign up to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen Join us for an upcoming live program or watch recordings on YouTube Support our important work Donate
In this episode, scholars Nicholas Cole and Robert Williams examine how American constitutional democracy is rooted in the crafting of Revolutionary-era state constitutions. Beginning in May 1776, Americans gave independence meaning by writing state constitutions, experimenting with self-government, and rooting political authority in the people. Cole and Williams explore this critical and often overlooked chapter of the founding era and how these early state constitutions shaped ideas about rights, government, and limits on power, helping to define the nation's constitutional tradition and set its trajectory for generations to come. Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer at the National Constitution Center, moderates. Resources Nicholas Cole, Quill Project Robert Williams, The Law of American State Constitutions (2023) Constitution of New Hampshire (January 5, 1776) Constitution of South Carolina (March 26, 1776) Constitution of Virginia (June 29, 1776) Constitution of New Jersey (July 2, 1776) Constitution of Delaware (September 10, 1776) Constitution of Pennsylvania (September 28, 1776) Constitution of Maryland (November 11, 1776) Constitution of North Carolina (December 18, 1776) Constitution of Georgia (February 5, 1777) Constitution of New York (April 20, 1777) Constitution of Vermont (July 8, 1777) Constitution of South Carolina (March 19, 1778) Constitution of Massachusetts (June 15, 1780) Constitution of Vermont (July 4, 1786) Marbury v. Madison (1803) Alison L. LaCroix, The Interbellum Constitution: Union, Commerce, and Slavery in the Age of Federalisms (2024) Gordon S. Wood, The Creation of the American Republic, 1776-1787 (1998) Stay Connected and Learn More Questions or comments about the show? Email us at podcast@constitutioncenter.org Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr Explore the America at 250 Civic Toolkit Sign up to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen Join us for an upcoming live program or watch recordings on YouTube Support our important work Donate
Acclaimed historians Mary Beth Norton, the Mary Donlon Alger Professor Emerita of American History at Cornell University, and Rosemarie Zagarri, distinguished university professor of history at George Mason University, examine how women influenced the political, social, and intellectual currents of the American Revolution. The conversation explores how women's experiences and contributions deepen and expand our understanding of America's founding. Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer at the National Constitution Center, moderates. This program was streamed live from Philadelphia on March 23, 2026, as a part of the NCC's America's Town Hall Series. Resources Mary Beth Norton, Founding Mothers & Fathers: Gendered Power and the Forming of American Society Mary Beth Norton, 1774: The Long Year of Revolution Rosemarie Zagarri, Revolutionary Backlash: Women and Politics in the Early American Republic Rosemarie Zagarri, “The Declaration's Grievances Against the King” Stay Connected and Learn More Questions or comments about the show? Email us at podcast@constitutioncenter.org Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr Explore the America at 250 Civic Toolkit Sign up to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen Join us for an upcoming live program or watch recordings on YouTube Support our important work Donate
In this episode, historian Emily Sneff discusses her new book, When the Declaration of Independence Was News, which focuses on the nation's founding document at the moment of its creation in 1776, before anyone knew what the legacy of the Declaration would be or if the United States would win the war against Great Britain. The book explores how the Declaration was communicated to people in the new nation and across the Atlantic world and reveals the stories of the many people involved in declaring independence, from printers to soldiers to diplomats to translators. Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer at the National Constitution Center, moderates. Resources Emily Sneff, When the Declaration of Independence Was News (2026) “‘When the Declaration of Independence Was News' Review: Breaking Story,” Wall Street Journal (April 3, 2026) Dunlap Broadside (First printing of the Declaration of Independence) Goddard Broadside (First printing of the Declaration of Independence with signers' names) National Constitution Center, Annotated Declaration of Independence Stay Connected and Learn More Questions or comments about the show? Email us at podcast@constitutioncenter.org Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr Explore the America at 250 Civic Toolkit Sign up to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen Join us for an upcoming live program or watch recordings on YouTube Support our important work Donate
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