Host Donald Bryson and Jeanette Doran, Executive Director of the North Carolina Institute for Constitutional Law, explore how North Carolina created its first Constitution and Declaration of Rights in 1776. They discuss the influence of John Adams, John Locke, and Enlightenment ideas — and how this bold experiment in self-government still shapes the state today.

Host Donald Bryson and Jeanette Doran, Executive Director of the North Carolina Institute for Constitutional Law, explore how North Carolina created its first Constitution and Declaration of Rights in 1776. They discuss the influence of John Adams, John Locke, and Enlightenment ideas — and how this bold experiment in self-government still shapes the state today.

Episode 6: Founding a State – North Carolina’s First Constitution

As the United States prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in 2026, this podcast explores North Carolina’s pivotal role in the nation’s founding — from the War of Regulation to the Battle of Guilford Courthouse and beyond.This 10-episode series, hosted by John Locke Foundation CEO Donald Bryson, features guests with expertise on the American Revolution in North Carolina who answer questions such as: Is the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence real or just a myth? Who were the women of the Edenton Tea Party? And why did North Carolina take YEARS to sign the Constitution?Learn more about North Carolina's revolutionary history at NC250.org.

Government

History

As the United States prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in 2026, this podcast explores North Carolina’s pivotal role in the nation’s founding — from the War of Regulation to the Battle of Guilford Courthouse and beyond. This 10-episode series, hosted by John Locke Foundation CEO Donald Bryson, features guests with expertise on the American Revolution in North Carolina who answer questions such as: Is the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence real or just a myth? Who were the women of the Edenton Tea Party? And why did North Carolina take YEARS to sign the Constitution? Learn more about North Carolina's revolutionary history at NC250.org.

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Episode 6: Founding a State – North Carolina’s First Constitution

Episode 6: Founding a State – North Carolina’s First Constitution