Madison's Vision and Revisions: Looking Back on the Constitution's Father

Madison's Vision and Revisions: Looking Back on the Constitution's Father

Author: National Constitution Center April 2, 2026 Duration: 46:17
In this episode we’re sharing a live conversation that explores James Madison’s vision for the constitution with Mary Sarah Bilder of Boston College Law School, Robert P. George, of Princeton University, and Jonathan Rauch of The Brookings Institution. Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer at the National Constitution Center, moderates.  This conversation was recorded on February 20, 2026, as part of the NCC’s President’s Council Retreat in Miami, FL.    Resources  Mary Sarah Bilder, Madison's Hand: Revising the Constitutional Convention (2017)   Mary Sarah Bilder, Female Genius: Eliza Harriot and George Washington at the Dawn of the Constitution (2022)  Robert P. George, Making Men Moral: Civil Liberties and Public Morality (1995)  Robert P. George, Natural Rights, the Common Good, and the American Revolution (America at 250) (2026)  Jonathan Rauch, Cross Purposes: Christianity's broken bargain with democracy (2025)  Jonathan Rauch, The Constitution of Knowledge: A Defense of Truth (2021)  Federalist 10 (1787)  Robert Tracy McKenzie, We the Fallen People: The Founders and the Future of American Democracy (2021)  National Constitution Center, What the Founders Meant by Happiness: A Journey Through Virtue and Character  Stay Connected and Learn More Questions or comments about the show? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@constitutioncenter.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr Explore the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠America at 250 Civic Toolkit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen Join us for an upcoming ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠live program⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or watch recordings on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Support our important work ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate

Hosted by National Constitution Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen, We the People is a weekly conversation that digs into the constitutional questions shaping the country right now. This isn't just a history lesson, though historical context is always part of the discussion. Instead, each episode brings together leading voices-legal scholars, journalists, public officials, and advocates-to engage in thoughtful, civil debate. You'll hear genuine dialogue where participants articulate and defend their positions, offering a clearer understanding of the complex legal and philosophical principles at stake. The goal is to move beyond headlines and soundbites, providing a forum where the best arguments from all sides are presented with depth and respect. Tuning into this podcast feels like sitting in on a crucial discussion at the intersection of law, politics, and society, one that illuminates how the Constitution actively influences contemporary American life. Produced by the National Constitution Center, it serves as an essential resource for anyone looking to deepen their grasp of the nation's founding document and its powerful, ongoing role in our public discourse.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

We the People
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