We the People

Ed Larson on Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Matters

Listen Later

Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Edward Larson discusses his newest book, Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Still Matters, which traces the idea of American independence in one pivotal year—1776—and its continued significance today. Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, moderates.  
 
This conversation was originally streamed live as part of the NCC’s America’s Town Hall program series on November 24, 2025.  


Resources 

  • Ed Larson, Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Matters (2025) 
  • Thomas Paine, Common Sense (1776) 
  • John Adams, Thoughts on Government (1776) 
  • George Mason, First Draft of the Virginia Declaration of Rights (1776) 

    • Stay Connected and Learn More   

    • Questions or comments about the show? Email us at ⁠[email protected]⁠ 
    • 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

      ...more
      View all episodesView all episodes
      Download on the App Store
      We the PeopleBy National Constitution Center
      • 4.6
      • 4.6
      • 4.6
      • 4.6
      • 4.6

      4.6

      1,081 ratings

      More shows like We the People

      View all
      Political Gabfest by Slate Podcasts

      Political Gabfest

      8,474 Listeners

      The Political Scene | The New Yorker by The New Yorker

      The Political Scene | The New Yorker

      4,113 Listeners

      Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick | Law, justice, and the courts by Slate Podcasts

      Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick | Law, justice, and the courts

      3,530 Listeners

      Conversations with Bill Kristol by Bill Kristol

      Conversations with Bill Kristol

      2,031 Listeners

      Live at the National Constitution Center by National Constitution Center

      Live at the National Constitution Center

      146 Listeners

      The Lawfare Podcast by The Lawfare Institute

      The Lawfare Podcast

      6,304 Listeners

      Civics 101 by NHPR

      Civics 101

      2,550 Listeners

      Radio Atlantic by The Atlantic

      Radio Atlantic

      2,380 Listeners

      Stay Tuned with Preet by Preet Bharara

      Stay Tuned with Preet

      32,354 Listeners

      Interesting Times with Ross Douthat by New York Times Opinion

      Interesting Times with Ross Douthat

      7,244 Listeners

      Strict Scrutiny by Strict Scrutiny

      Strict Scrutiny

      5,832 Listeners

      Advisory Opinions by The Dispatch

      Advisory Opinions

      3,946 Listeners

      The Ezra Klein Show by New York Times Opinion

      The Ezra Klein Show

      16,525 Listeners

      Divided Argument by Will Baude & Dan Epps

      Divided Argument

      746 Listeners

      The Opinions by The New York Times Opinion

      The Opinions

      632 Listeners