Constitution 101: Natural Rights and the American Revolution

Constitution 101: Natural Rights and the American Revolution

Author: Hillsdale College January 21, 2026 Duration: 33:07

On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss how the concept of natural rights informed the American Founding before introducing Thomas G. West. 

The United States Constitution was designed to secure the natural rights proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence. Signed by Constitutional Convention delegates on September 17, 1787—Constitution Day—it was ratified by the American people and remains the most enduring and successful constitution in history. 

In this twelve-lecture course, students will examine the political theory of the American Founding and subsequent challenges to that theory throughout American history. Topics covered in this course include: the natural rights theory of the Founding, the meaning of the Declaration and the Constitution, the crisis of the Civil War, the Progressive rejection of the Founding, and the nature and form of modern liberalism.

The principle of equality—which means no person may rule over another without his consent—is central to the political theory of the American Founding. Not only did it justify the Revolution, it also led to the creation of a government whose purpose is securing the natural rights of its citizens.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast delivers the core of a classical liberal arts education directly to your preferred listening app. Hosted by Online Learning Directors Kyle Murnen and Juan Davalos, this series transforms the college's foundational mission into an accessible audio format. Each episode serves as a lecture or discussion drawn from Hillsdale's complete, free online courses, covering enduring topics in history, government, culture, and the principles of a free society. You'll hear in-depth explorations of the ideas, events, and figures that have shaped Western civilization and American institutions, all presented with the clarity and depth of a classroom setting. The podcast is designed for lifelong learners seeking substantive content beyond the headlines, offering structured education through the convenience of an audio feed. Listen for thoughtful commentary that introduces each course's themes, followed by the full lecture material, allowing you to engage with rigorous academic content on your own schedule. This is more than a series of talks; it's a curated curriculum aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of the philosophical and historical foundations necessary for informed citizenship and personal enrichment.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast
Podcast Episodes
The Odyssey: Return to Ithaca [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:03
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the temptations that Odysseus faces on his journey to Ithaca before introducing a lecture from Dr. Benedict Whalen. Having resist…
The Odyssey: Death and Woe [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:51
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss Odysseus' journey to the underworld before introducing a lecture from Dr. Benedict Whalen. In the underworld, Odysseus meets the…
The Odyssey: Circe [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:21
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss how Homer treats leadership in The Odyssey before introducing a lecture from Dr. Benedict Whalen. On the island of Circe, Odysseu…
The Odyssey: The Cyclops [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:16
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the significance if Odysseus' encounter with Polyphemus before introducing a lecture from Dr. Benedict Whalen. Odysseus recounts…
The Odyssey: The Kingdom of Phaeacia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:44
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the attributes that characterize Odysseus before introducing a lecture from Dr. Benedict Whalen. Odysseus uses his metis to gain…
The Odyssey: Calypso [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:52
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the choice that Odysseus makes to begin his journey back to Ithaca before introducing a lecture from Dr. Benedict Whalen. Calypso…
The Odyssey: Rumors of Odysseus [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:47
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the ways that Homer depicts women in The Odyssey before introducing a lecture from Dr. Benedict Whalen. Penelope, the wife of Ody…
The Odyssey: Ithaca [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:26
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan introduce the brand new course "The Odyssey." Odysseus, the man of "twists and turns," has been away from his home of Ithaca for twenty y…
An Introduction to Homer's Odyssey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:15
Prepare for the upcoming The Odyssey online course from Hillsdale College as Jeremiah and Juan discuss Homer's Odyssey before introducing a lecture from Dr. David M. Whalen. Enroll in The Odyssey here: https://online.hil…
An Introduction to Homer's Iliad [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:16
Prepare for the upcoming The Odyssey online course from Hillsdale College as Jeremiah and Juan discuss Homer's Iliad before introducing a lecture from Dr. Stephen Smith. Enroll in The Odyssey here: https://online.hillsda…