The Story of the U.S. Constitution: Past and Present

The Story of the U.S. Constitution: Past and Present

Author: National Constitution Center January 16, 2026 Duration: 1:03:26
After more than 12 years of distinguished service as President and Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Rosen has transitioned to the role of CEO Emeritus, enabling him to devote his full time and energy to his scholarship and public dialogue.  The Center’s Board of Trustees appointed Vince Stango to serve as Interim President and CEO.  From all of us at the National Constitution Center, we express our gratitude to Jeff for his leadership and vision, including his role as the long-time host of the Center’s We the People podcast, where he brought constitutional debate to life for millions of listeners.  For the full announcement, visit the website. While you’re there, check out the many exciting things, including the Interactive Declaration, and all of our resources for America’s 250th!   As we work to bring you the next chapter of We the People, we will continue to share recent programs and episodes from the archive.   In this episode, we're sharing an America's Town Hall program with historians, Akhil Reed Amar, David Blight, and Annette Gordon-Reed, who joined for a sweeping conversation about the Constitution and the debates that have shaped America—from the founding era to today. They examine transformative moments in American history and landmark Supreme Court decisions.  This program is presented in partnership with the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute and the Organization of American Historians. Resources  National Constitution Center Announces Leadership Transition  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  Explore ⁠⁠Pursuit: The Founders’ Guide to Happiness⁠⁠  ⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠ to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate  Follow, 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
Podcast Episodes
Revolutionary State Constitutions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:10
In this episode, scholars Nicholas Cole and Robert Williams examine how American constitutional democracy is rooted in the crafting of Revolutionary-era state constitutions. Beginning in May 1776, Americans gave independ…
Women and the American Revolution [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:02
Acclaimed historians Mary Beth Norton, the Mary Donlon Alger Professor Emerita of American History at Cornell University, and Rosemarie Zagarri, distinguished university professor of history at George Mason University, e…
Emily Sneff on When the Declaration of Independence Was News [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:56
In this episode, historian Emily Sneff discusses her new book, When the Declaration of Independence Was News, which focuses on the nation’s founding document at the moment of its creation in 1776, before anyone knew what…
Ellen DuBois on the Revolutionary Life of Elizabeth Cady Stanton [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:59
In celebration of Women’s History Month, award-winning historian Ellen DuBois, author of Elizabeth Cady Stanton: A Revolutionary Life, joins to discuss the life, ideas, and legacy of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the decade…
The Revolutionary Lives of Catharine Macaulay and Mercy Otis Warren [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:39
As the Center marks the 250th anniversary of the nation, we’re taking a closer look at the people, events, and ideas that set the American Revolution in motion and ultimately led to the creation and adoption of the Decla…
NCC Revisited: Women and the American Idea [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:05
In celebration of Women’s History month, we revisit a conversation that explores the life and legacy of women who have inspired Constitutional change throughout American history. Joining the conversation are Tomiko Brown…
Supreme Court Rules Trump’s Tariffs Unlawful Under IEEPA [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:28
On February 20, the Supreme Court ruled that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, known as IEEPA, does not authorize President Trump’s sweeping tariffs. In Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, and the consolida…
Juan Williams on the Rise of America’s Second Civil Rights Movement [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:21
New York Times columnist Jamelle Bouie joins award-winning journalist Juan Williams for a conversation on Williams’ latest book, New Prize for These Eyes: The Rise of America’s Second Civil Rights Movement, exploring the…