Constitutional Chats Presented By Constituting America

Constitutional Chats Presented By Constituting America

In 1831, a 26 year-old French member of the aristocracy arrived in New York City to examine our prison system.  Alexis de Tocqueville would do that and so much more.  Over 9 months, he and his travel companion, Gustave de Beaumont, traveled extensively and in 1835, he published “Democracy in America.”  De Tocqueville studied and answered what it took to perpetuate our political institutions, what the “habits of the American heart” are and what it means to be an American.  In fact, it was De Tocqueville who coined the term American Exceptionalism.  To guide our...

Constitutional Chats Presented By Constituting America

Perhaps no Founding Father exemplifies the ideal of a citizen-legislator quite like John Adams.  Never a wealthy man, Adams dedicated his life and contributed greatly to our country in its infancy: as a lawyer, as a delegate to the Continental Congress, as our first Vice President and as our second President.  What was the basis for Adam’s beliefs in how our country should be structured and why does our guest today argue John Adams was the greatest of our Founding Fathers?  Join our student panel as we welcome C. Bradley Thompson, Professor of Political Science at Clemson...

Constitutional Chats Presented By Constituting America

He was a city mayor, state representative and state senator.  He was a lieutenant governor and governor.  And he was a vice president and president.  Today, we are discussing the accomplishments of Calvin Coolidge.  He was an ardent defender of the US Constitution and fought the trend to alter and reinterpret the provisions in the Constitution.  He was also a dedicated “Toquevillian.” To guide our student panel in this discussion, we are thrilled to welcome Amity Shlaes as a guest.  She is the author of “Coolidge” (2013) and is the chair board of the...

Constitutional Chats Presented By Constituting America

He was a solider, general, President and statesman.  George Washington is one of those few historical figures whose real-life accomplishments live up to the legend of the man. But what was Washington’s role in crafting the document that ultimately made him President?  What were his thoughts on the role of a federal government in our new country?  To help us understand Washington’s mindset during this pivotal era, we are delighted to welcome Stewart McLaurin, president of the White House Historical Association for this informative chat with our student panel.

Constitutional Chats Presented By Constituting America

During the summer before every presidential election, both major political parties host their conventions.  Part of their function is to formally nominate their candidate for President.  Just who are the thousands of delegates who attend? What are their duties?  How are they chosen?  To help us understand everything related to these conventions and delegates, we are excited to welcome back election law expert Mark Braden and our student panel for this discussion.

Constitutional Chats Presented By Constituting America

Back in April, we discussed the Chevron Doctrine and the power it gave to unelected officials in various agencies.  This doctrine allowed agencies to rely on their own interpretation of ambiguous law.  In the recent Loper Bright decision, the Supreme Court struck down this doctrine.  To help our student panel understand the long term ramifications of this decision, we are delighted to welcome back Ilya Shapiro, senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute for this timely discussion.

Constitutional Chats Presented By Constituting America

Back in May, we discussed a Supreme Court case that was about to be decided regarding actions local governments had taken regarding homelessness encampments in public spaces, in their cities.  Late last month, the Supreme Court sided 6-3 with the city of Grants Pass, Oregon, ruling their laws did not violate the 8th amendment prohibitions against cruel and unusual punishment.  Returning from that previous show, we are thrilled to welcome back Thomas Jipping, Senior Legal Fellow at the Heritage Foundation, as he discusses the ramifications of this U.S. Supreme Court decision with our...

Constitutional Chats Presented By Constituting America

As with most Supreme Court decisions, the recent Supreme Court decision on presidential immunity is both complex and misunderstood. The Court had to rule on what level of immunity the President has in regard to his official duties as President. This case involves a complex series of rulings from various courts but we are thankful to have returning as our guest, former US Attorney and retired Navy JAG officer Charles “Cully” Stimson. Cully will help our all-star student panel unravel the complexities of this landmark Supreme Court case.

Constitutional Chats Presented By Constituting America

As with most Supreme Court decisions, the recent Supreme Court decision on presidential immunity is both complex and misunderstood. The Court had to rule on what level of immunity the President has in regard to his official duties as President. This case involves a complex series of rulings from various courts but we are thankful to have returning as our guest, former US Attorney and retired Navy JAG officer Charles “Cully” Stimson. Cully will help our all-star student panel unravel the complexities of this landmark Supreme Court case.

Constitutional Chats Presented By Constituting America

This week we celebrate the spirit of the American people! A country’s identity is directly tied to its people.  A good way to gauge the characteristics and spirit of a country’s people is to look at the country from an outsider’s perspective.  That’s exactly what Alexis de Tocqueville did when he came to America in 1831.  The French-born aristocrat traveled extensively around our country and in 1835 wrote of his observations and experiences in “Democracy in America.” What can we learn from his observations?  Are his observations still relevant nearly 200 years...