Consider the Constitution

In this episode of Consider the Constitution, recorded close to the 2024 Juneteenth federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery, host Dr. Katie Crawford-Lackey interviews Dr. DeAnza Cook about the Reconstruction Amendments (13th, 14th, and 15th) and their impact on the American justice system. Dr. Cook explains how the 13th Amendment abolished slavery but left a loophole allowing involuntary servitude as punishment for a crime. This led to the disproportionate criminalization and incarceration of Black Americans during the Reconstruction era and beyond.

The 14th and 15th Amendments aimed to address citizenship and voting rights for African Americans, but racial discrimination persisted. Black activists leveraged these amendments to challenge racist policing and punishment practices through the courts, protests, and self-defense. However, mass incarceration, which began in the late 20th century, continues to disproportionately affect people of color.

Dr. Cook introduces the concept of "abolition democracy," which argues that the abolition of slavery was not enough to secure the rights and freedoms promised to Black Americans. She emphasizes the importance of restoring voting rights for those serving felony convictions and addressing de facto disenfranchisement in jails.

The episode underscores the ongoing struggle for equal protection under the law and the need for collective action to pursue a more just and inclusive democracy, particularly as we reflect on the significance of Juneteenth.

In this episode of "Consider the Constitution," Dr. Katie Crawford-Lackey interviews Dr. Mila Versteeg, a professor at the University of Virginia School of Law, about modern democratic governance and the role of constitutions. They discuss the differences between the U.S. Constitution and those of other countries, the importance of citizens in enforcing constitutional rights, and the challenges of maintaining fidelity to the Constitution in hyperpartisan environments. Dr. Versteeg emphasizes the significance of citizen engagement in safeguarding democracy.

In this episode of Consider the Constitution, Professor Michael J Klarman delves into the intricate history behind the drafting and ratification of the U.S. Constitution. He explores the compromises and debates between competing interest groups at the Constitutional Convention, the evolution of democracy since its ratification, and the unique challenges posed by the Constitution's rigidity. Klarman also sheds light on James Madison's indispensable role in the creation and defense of this foundational document. 

Delve into the heart of the impeachment process in the U.S. Constitution with Professor Michael J. Gerhardt,  a distinguished professor of jurisprudence at the University of North Carolina Law School. Explore the historical origins, the framers' intentions, and the complexities of holding high-ranking officials accountable. With insights into recent events and the evolving role of political parties, this episode offers a thought-provoking examination of democracy's safeguard. 

Historian and author David O. Stewart joins host Dr. Katie Crawford-Lackey to discuss the leadership styles of key figures like George Washington and James Madison, and how their personalities and approaches to politics shaped the drafting of the U.S.  Constitution. Stewart emphasizes the importance of character in leadership, and how understanding the humanity of these historical figures can provide valuable insights.

This episode considers the origins and development of policing and police-community relations in America.  DeAnza A. Cook, Assistant Professor of Contemporary African American History and Black Leadership at The Ohio State University, joins host Dr. Katie Crawford-Lackey to discuss the changes in law enforcement post-Civil War, the impact of the civil rights movement on law enforcement, and current challenges in forging a better relationship between communities and law enforcement.

In this episode, Julie C. Suk, Professor of Law, at Fordham University School of Law discusses the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote in the United States. The discussion covers the history of the women's suffrage movement, the impact of the 19th Amendment, and the ongoing struggle for gender equality. Despite the 19th Amendment, many women, particularly African-American and indigenous women, still faced discrimination.

In this episode, Dr. Danielle Charette, an expert on 18th-century political economy, discusses the economic instability faced by the newly independent states, the economic debates during the Constitutional Convention, and the economic theories influencing the founders. The podcast also explores the economic boom during the Gilded Age and the original intersection of capitalism and democracy in the United States. 

In this episode, Dr. John Ragosta, a historian at the Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies at Monticello, discusses the political turmoil in the 1790s. The period saw hyper-partisanship, with Federalists like John Adams and Alexander Hamilton supporting a strong central government, while Democratic Republicans like Thomas Jefferson and James Madison favored stronger state government. The Alien and Sedition Acts, which gave the President the authority to deport any alien deemed dangerous and made it illegal to criticize the President or Congress, were a significant point of contention. The episode also discusses how Jefferson and Madison realized they had gone too far with their partisan battles and pulled back, leading to a more unified political climate. The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of a free press, the concept of a loyal opposition, and the principle that the majority rules but the minority must accept this until the next election.

Inside the debate between James Madison and Thomas Jefferson over the endurance of the U.S. Constitution. Jefferson believed that each generation should rewrite the Constitution, while Madison argued for a Constitution that endures over time to build up necessary reverence and respect. Host Dr. Katie Crawford-Lackey is joined by Skidmore College Political Science Professor Dr. Beau Breslin to discuss the implications if Jefferson's argument had prevailed and what it would mean for political engagement today.

Professor Breslin is the author of A Constitution for the Living: Imagining How Five Generations of Americans Would Rewrite the Nation’s Fundamental Law. Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press, 2021.