Constitution 101: The Theory of the Declaration and the Constitution

Constitution 101: The Theory of the Declaration and the Constitution

Author: Hillsdale College January 14, 2026 Duration: 38:20

On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan introduce the course "Constitution 101".

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 form of government prescribed by the Constitution is based on the timeless principles of the Declaration of Independence. These two documents establish the formal and final causes of the United States and make possible the freedom that is the birthright of all Americans.

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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
Constitution 101: Majority Tyranny and the Necessity of the Union [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:28
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss how The Federalist influenced the Constitutional Convention before introducing Ronald J. Pestritto. The United States Constitutio…
Constitution 101: Natural Rights and the American Revolution [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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 Constitutio…
C.S. Lewis on Christianity: Heaven and Hell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss C.S. Lewis' understanding of prayer before introducing Michael Ward. C.S. Lewis’s writings bring the great questions of the Chris…
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American Paintings: Battle Scenes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Visit hillsdale.edu/course to view the paintings referenced in this lecture. On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah Regan and professor emeritus of art Sam Knecht discuss what we can le…