Consider the Constitution

In this first episode of a special three-part mini-series, host Dr. Katie Crawford Lackey of the Robert H. Smith Center for the Constitution at James Madison's Montpelier explores the global impact of the U.S. Constitution. Funded by Virginia Humanities and produced in collaboration with the Presidential Precinct, this series highlights the experiences of Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Mandela Washington Fellows. Featuring an interview with Professor Heinz Klug, a South African const...

The Reconstruction era following the American Civil War sought to redefine the place of newly freed African Americans in society and align Constitutional promises with reality. History Professor Hasan Kwame Jeffries of The Ohio State University joins host Dr. Katie Crawford-Lackey to discuss contested visions for post-war America among different groups, the impact of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, and efforts to disenfranchise Black voters despite Constitutional pro...

Articles V and VII of the U.S. Constitution outline the amendment and ratification process. Host Dr. Katie Crawford-Lackey is joined by Skidmore College Political Science Professor Dr. Beau Breslin to discuss the two pathways for amending the Constitution and the high bar for making changes. This episode also touches on the importance of the Constitution's preamble, its evolution during the drafting process, and how it might be different if written today.

In the Judiciary Act of 1789, the First Congress created the office of the U.S. Attorneys, which was signed into law by President George Washington. Timothy J. Heaphy, a former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia, joins host Dr. Katie Crawford-Lackey to discuss the roles and responsibilities of U.S. Attorneys within the federal justice system and the significance of collaboration between different levels of law enforcement.

This July 4th, 2024 episode explores the history between "democracy" and "republic" in America's government. George Washington University Assistant Professor Dr. Casey Burgat discusses how these concepts were understood at the Constitutional Convention in 1787 and how they complement each other. Recorded at James Madison's Montpelier, the conversation emphasizes civic engagement's role in maintaining this delicate balance amid evolving political landscapes.

In this episode of Consider the Constitution, recorded close to the 2024 Juneteenth federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery, host Dr. Katie Crawford-Lackey interviews Dr. DeAnza Cook about the Reconstruction Amendments (13th, 14th, and 15th) and their impact on the American justice system. Dr. Cook explains how the 13th Amendment abolished slavery but left a loophole allowing involuntary servitude as punishment for a crime. This led to the disproportionate criminalization and incarce...

In this episode of "Consider the Constitution," Dr. Katie Crawford-Lackey interviews Dr. Mila Versteeg, a professor at the University of Virginia School of Law, about modern democratic governance and the role of constitutions. They discuss the differences between the U.S. Constitution and those of other countries, the importance of citizens in enforcing constitutional rights, and the challenges of maintaining fidelity to the Constitution in hyperpartisan environments. Dr. Versteeg emphasizes ...

In this episode of Consider the Constitution, Professor Michael J Klarman delves into the intricate history behind the drafting and ratification of the U.S. Constitution. He explores the compromises and debates between competing interest groups at the Constitutional Convention, the evolution of democracy since its ratification, and the unique challenges posed by the Constitution's rigidity. Klarman also sheds light on James Madison's indispensable role in the creation and defense of this foun...

Delve into the heart of the impeachment process in the U.S. Constitution with Professor Michael J. Gerhardt, a distinguished professor of jurisprudence at the University of North Carolina Law School. Explore the historical origins, the framers' intentions, and the complexities of holding high-ranking officials accountable. With insights into recent events and the evolving role of political parties, this episode offers a thought-provoking examination of democracy's safeguard.

Historian and author David O. Stewart joins host Dr. Katie Crawford-Lackey to discuss the leadership styles of key figures like George Washington and James Madison, and how their personalities and approaches to politics shaped the drafting of the U.S. Constitution. Stewart emphasizes the importance of character in leadership, and how understanding the humanity of these historical figures can provide valuable insights.

This episode considers the origins and development of policing and police-community relations in America. DeAnza A. Cook, Assistant Professor of Contemporary African American History and Black Leadership at The Ohio State University, joins host Dr. Katie Crawford-Lackey to discuss the changes in law enforcement post-Civil War, the impact of the civil rights movement on law enforcement, and current challenges in forging a better relationship between communities and law enforcement.

In this episode, Julie C. Suk, Professor of Law, at Fordham University School of Law discusses the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote in the United States. The discussion covers the history of the women's suffrage movement, the impact of the 19th Amendment, and the ongoing struggle for gender equality. Despite the 19th Amendment, many women, particularly African-American and indigenous women, still faced discrimination.

In this episode, Dr. Danielle Charette, an expert on 18th-century political economy, discusses the economic instability faced by the newly independent states, the economic debates during the Constitutional Convention, and the economic theories influencing the founders. The podcast also explores the economic boom during the Gilded Age and the original intersection of capitalism and democracy in the United States.

In this episode, Dr. John Ragosta, a historian at the Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies at Monticello, discusses the political turmoil in the 1790s. The period saw hyper-partisanship, with Federalists like John Adams and Alexander Hamilton supporting a strong central government, while Democratic Republicans like Thomas Jefferson and James Madison favored stronger state government. The Alien and Sedition Acts, which gave the President the authority to deport any alien ...

Inside the debate between James Madison and Thomas Jefferson over the endurance of the U.S. Constitution. Jefferson believed that each generation should rewrite the Constitution, while Madison argued for a Constitution that endures over time to build up necessary reverence and respect. Host Dr. Katie Crawford-Lackey is joined by Skidmore College Political Science Professor Dr. Beau Breslin to discuss the implications if Jefferson's argument had prevailed and what it would mean for political e...