A weekly show from the National Constitution Center hosted by Julie Silverbrook and Tom Donnelly where listeners can hear the best arguments on all sides of the constitutional issues at the center of American life.
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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...
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 docu...
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 conti...
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 ...
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 scho...
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 th...
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 righ...
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...
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 declari...
In this episode we’re sharing a live conversation that explores James Madison’s vision for the constitution with Mary Sarah Bilder of Boston College Law School, Robert P. George , of Princeton University, and Jonathan Rauch of The Brookings Institution. Julie Silverbrook , chief content and learning officer at the National Constitution Center, moderates. This conversation was recorded on February 20, 2026, as part of the NCC’s President’s Council Retreat in Miami, FL. Resources Mary Sarah Bilder...
In celebration of Women’s History Month, award-winning historian Ellen DuBois , author of Elizabeth Cady Stanton: A Revolutionary Life , joins to discuss the life, ideas, and legacy of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the decades-long struggle for women’s suffrage. Thomas Donnelly , lead scholar of the National Constitution Center, moderates. This conversation was originally streamed live as part of the NCC’s America’s Town Hall series on March 23, 2026. Resources Ellen Carol DuBois, Elizabeth Cady St...
As the Center marks the 250th anniversary of the nation, we’re taking a closer look at the people, events, and ideas that set the American Revolution in motion and ultimately led to the creation and adoption of the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution. This moment invites us to broaden the story of the founding by exploring not only the familiar figures we often study, but also the wider community of thinkers who helped shape the principles of our constitutional democracy. In this e...
On February 28, President Trump announced “major combat operations in Iran.” The operation, known as Epic Fury, has renewed a long-standing debate about the scope of presidential war powers and who decides when the nation goes to war. Last week, Congress rejected legislation that sought to require President Trump to obtain congressional approval for military actions against Iran. The Constitution divides war powers between Congress, which has the authority to declare war, and the president, who ...
In celebration of Women’s History month, we revisit a conversation that explores the life and legacy of women who have inspired Constitutional change throughout American history. Joining the conversation are Tomiko Brown-Nagin , author of Civil Rights Queen: Constance Baker Motley and the Struggle for Equality , and Elizabeth Cobbs , author of Fearless Women: Feminist Patriots from Abigail Adams to Beyoncé. Jeffrey Rosen , CEO Emeritus of the National Constitution Center, moderates. This convers...
On February 20, the Supreme Court ruled that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, known as IEEPA, does not authorize President Trump’s sweeping tariffs. In Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, and the consolidated case, the Court held that the statute does not grant the President the power to impose tariffs under a declaration of economic emergency. In this episode, we explore what the Court held, why the Justices disagreed about the reasoning, and what this decision might tell us abou...
New York Times columnist Jamelle Bouie joins award-winning journalist Juan Williams for a conversation on Williams’ latest book, New Prize for These Eyes: The Rise of America’s Second Civil Rights Movement , exploring the emergence of a new civil rights era—from the 2008 election of President Obama to the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Thomas Donnelly , chief scholar at the National Constitution Center, moderates. This conversation was originally streamed live as part of the NCC’s A...
Gary Berton , the president of The Thomas Paine Historical Association, joins Scott Cleary , co-editor of New Directions in Thomas Paine Studies and author of The Field of Imagination: Thomas Paine and Eighteenth-Century Poetry , to discuss the revolutionary life, ideas, and legacy of Thomas Paine in celebration of the 250th anniversary of his famous pamphlet, Common Sense . Julie Silverbrook , vice president of civic education of the National Constitution Center, moderates. This conversation wa...
In celebration of Black History Month, scholars Lucas Morel and Melvin Rogers join to discuss how African American leaders and citizens, such as Prince Hall, Frederick Douglass, Ida B. Wells, and Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. have invoked the ideas and principles of the Declaration of Independence throughout American history to push for a more free and equal America. Thomas Donnelly , chief scholar of the National Constitution Center, moderates. This conversation was originally streamed live as p...
In this Best of 2025-episode, Best-selling author Michael Lewis discusses his new book, Who Is Government?: The Untold Story of Public Service. As Americans’ distrust in the government continues to grow, Lewis’ book examines how the government works, who works for it, and why their contributions continue to matter. Jeffrey Rosen, CEO Emeritus of the National Constitution Center, moderates. This conversation was originally streamed live as part of the NCC’s America’s Town Hall series on March 26,...
This podcast delves into the life and legacy of James Wilson, a pivotal but often overlooked American founder. Guests discuss Wilson's profound impact on the U.S. Constitution, his unwavering commitment to popular sovereignty, and how his ideas were centuries ahead of his time. The episode also explores the reasons for his historical erasure, including his dramatic financial ruin and death, ultimately highlighting his enduring lessons for modern American democracy.
After more than 12 years of distinguished service as President and Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Rosen has transitioned to the role of CEO Emeritus, enabling him to devote his full time and energy to his scholarship and public dialogue. The Center’s Board of Trustees appointed Vince Stango to serve as Interim President and CEO. From all of us at the National Constitution Center, we express our gratitude to Jeff for his leadership and vision, including his role as the long-time host of the Cent...
In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, award-winning historian Kathleen DuVal discusses her new book, Native Nations: A Millennium in North America , which traces a thousand years of Native history—from the rise of ancient cities and the arrival of Europeans to today’s ongoing fights for sovereignty. Thomas Donnelly , chief scholar of the National Constitution Center, moderates. This conversation was originally streamed live on November 4, 2025, as part of the NCC’s America’s Town Hal...
Matthew Continetti , author of The Right: The Hundred-Year War for American Conservatism , joins prize-winning biographer Sam Tanenhaus to discuss Tanenhaus’s new book, Buckley: The Life and the Revolution That Changed America , and to trace American conservatism’s evolution from the Progressive Era, through the rise of William F. Buckley Jr., to today. Jeffrey Rosen , president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, moderates. This conversation was originally streamed live as part of the ...
John Q. Barrett , discoverer and editor of Robert H. Jackson's acclaimed book That Man: An Insider's Portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt and writer of the popular blog The Jackson List, joins author and constitutional scholar Gerard Magliocca , author of The Actual Art of Governing: Justice Robert H. Jackson's Concurring Opinion in the Steel Seizure Case , and G. Edward White , author of Robert H. Jackson: A Life in Judgment , to discuss the Jackson’s legacy in debates over presidential power, con...
Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Edward Larson discusses his newest book, Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Still Matters , which traces the idea of American independence in one pivotal year—1776—and its continued significance today. Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, moderates. This conversation was originally streamed live as part of the NCC’s America’s Town Hall program series on November 24, 2025. Resources Ed Larson, Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Matters...
In this episode, Thomas Berry of the Cato Institute and Jed Shugerman of the Boston University School of Law join the recap the oral arguments from Trump v. Slaughter and debate whether the statutory removal protections for members of the Federal Trade Commission violate the separation of powers. Jeffrey Rosen , president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, moderates. Resources Thomas Berry, Brief of the Cato Institute as Amicus Curiae in Support of Petitioners (10/17/2025) Jed Shugerma...
In this episode, the National Constitution Center launches our Article V Project , a new initiative examining the founders’ vision for Article V and an historical look at the use of the Article V process from 1789 to the present. Project contributors and constitutional law scholars Gerard Magliocca , Sanford Levinson , Michael Rappaport , and Stephen Sachs explore the origins, debates, and ongoing challenges surrounding Article V, as presented in their essays. Jeffrey Rosen , president and CEO o...
In our 12-part podcast series, Pursuit: The Founders’ Guide to Happiness , Jeffrey Rosen explores the founders’ lives with the historians who know them best and filmmaker Ken Burns shares his daily practice of self-reflection. The “pursuit of happiness” is one of the most famous phrases in American history. When America’s founders wrote it in the Declaration of Independence, they intended it to mean happiness through lifelong learning and self-improvement. In the last episode of the series, list...
In this episode, Pulitzer Prize–winning historian Eric Foner joins to discuss his book, Our Fragile Freedoms , a new collection of essays exploring a range of topics, including debates over slavery and antislavery, the Civil War and Reconstruction, Jim Crow and the battle to dismantle it, and modern debates over the Constitution and how to teach American history. Jeffrey Rosen , president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, moderates. This conversation was originally streamed live on Se...
In this episode, best-selling biographer Walter Isaacson joins to discuss his new book, The Greatest Sentence Ever Written , with Jeffrey Rosen , president and CEO of the National Constitution Center. As we approach the 250th anniversary of the country’s founding, Isaacson explores the intellectual inspirations and drafting history of the Declaration’s famous second sentence, which lays the foundation for the American dream and defines the common ground we share as a nation. Resources Walter Isa...
