Behind the Pseudonym: Hamilton's PR Genius and the Constitution's Defense
The Federalist Papers emerged as a strategic response to critics of the newly drafted Constitution. Alexander Hamilton organized James Madison and John Jay to write under the pseudonym "Publius" to ad...
27 Aug 202525min
Unpacking the Federalist Papers
Dr. Sean Beienberg returns to explore the origin and purpose of the Federalist Papers as persuasive political documents designed to convince New York citizens to ratify the U.S. Constitution. Written ...
26 Aug 202511min
The Father of the Constitution: Madison's Vision
Dr. Colleen Sheehan explains why James Madison deserves the title "Father of the Constitution" and explores how this quiet, scholarly founder shaped American democracy through his preparation, vision,...
25 Aug 202518min
The Blueprint: Understanding America's Limited Government System
What makes the American system of government unique in world history? Dr. Justin Dyer, professor of government at the University of Texas at Austin and dean of the UT Austin School of Civic Leadership...
22 Aug 202510min
Locke's Ideas of Life, Liberty, and Property Changed the Course of History
Dr. Paul Carrese explores John Locke's profound influence on the Declaration of Independence and American founding principles. Locke's philosophy of natural rights - that all humans possess inherent, ...
21 Aug 202518min
How Philosophy Shaped a Nation: The Enlightenment's Fingerprints on American Democracy
America's political philosophy emerged from a complex interplay of Enlightenment thought, with both radical and moderate strands shaping our founding documents and constitutional system. • Multiple i...
20 Aug 202519min
Republic vs Democracy: America's True Political Identity
Our fearless leader Dr. Paul Carrese explores republicanism—small r republicanism—and how it is reflected in the US Constitution. • We are a democratic republic, not simply a democracy • The Constitu...
19 Aug 202518min
Social Contracts: Our Civic Foundation
Dr. Phillip Muñoz explores the concept of social contracts and explains how they formed the foundation of American governance. He illustrates how these agreements transform potential chaos into ordere...
18 Aug 202511min
