Constitution 101: Property, Morality, and Religion

Constitution 101: Property, Morality, and Religion

Author: Hillsdale College February 11, 2026 Duration: 34:29

On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss whether or not the government should legislate morality before introducing Thomas 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.

While the first purpose of government is to protect citizens from foreign and domestic threats, it must also undertake other essential actions in order to secure natural rights. These include the protection of property rights, the defense of religious liberty, and the promotion of the moral character necessary to sustain free government.

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: 100

The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast
Podcast Episodes
The Federalist: The Anti-Federalists [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:51
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the arguments of the Anti-Federalists before introducing Dr. Ronald J. Pestritto. In a republic, every citizen has a duty to unde…
The Federalist: Publius and The Federalist [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:26
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan introduce the course "The Federalist." In a republic, every citizen has a duty to understand their government. The Federalist is the grea…
Understanding Capitalism: Prosperity, Morality, and Freedom [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:37
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the spiritual elements of capitalism before introducing Dr. Charles N. Steele. Capitalism rewards man with profit or punishes him…
Understanding Capitalism: Technology and Resources [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:12
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss how capitalism develops life-saving technology before introducing Dr. Charles N. Steele. Capitalism rewards man with profit or pu…
Understanding Capitalism: Trade and Comparative Advantage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:32
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss maintaining a balanced approach to free trade before introducing Dr. Charles N. Steele. Capitalism rewards man with profit or pun…
Understanding Capitalism: Economies of Scale and Scope [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:55
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the difficulties of running a small business before introducing Dr. Charles N. Steele. Capitalism rewards man with profit or puni…
Understanding Capitalism: Production and the Division of Labor [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:38
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the division of labor before introducing Dr. Charles N. Steele. Capitalism rewards man with profit or punishes him with loss, dep…
Understanding Capitalism: Human Nature and the Cost of Choice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:31
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan introduce the course "Understanding Capitalism." Capitalism rewards man with profit or punishes him with loss, depending on the merit of…
Totalitarian Novels: Science and Bureaucracy in That Hideous Strength [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:46
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss how easy it is for nefarious forces to influence the "educated" before introducing Hillsdale College president Dr. Larry P. Arnn.…