The Constitution in American Life: Featuring the Friends of Publius

In this episode, the Friends of Publius engage in a lively discussion about the Gettysburg Address and what it tells us about our national identity. This question is from Unit 6, Question 1 of the Center for Civic Education’s We the People curriculum. 

-Why do you think Abraham Lincoln believes 1776 to be the start of a new nation instead of 1788?  When do you believe that nation officially began?

*What qualifies a separate region or group as a distinct, sovereign nation?

*Are the ideals set forth in the Declaration of Independence still shaping American law and policy today?  Should they be legally enforceable?

In this episode, the Friends of Publius engage in a conversation about the advantages and disadvantages of federalism and how it affects national identity. This question is from Unit 4, Question 2 of the Center for Civic Education’s We the People curriculum. 

-What are the advantages and disadvantages of the natural tension between state and national authority in our constitutional federal democracy?

-What are some significant historical or contemporary examples of federalism-related conflict?  

-Do you agree with Justice Black’s claim that the national government is sensitive to the interests of the states, even when federal interests are at stake?

In this episode, the Friends of Publius discuss the issue of executive power -  both past and present. This question is from Unit 3, Question 1 of the Center for Civic Education’s We the People curriculum.  

“The President’s power, if any, to issue (an) order must stem either from an act of Congress or from the Constitution itself.”  Do you agree with the Court on this?  Explain.

How do executive orders fit into our constitutional system of checks and balances?

Should the President be allowed to withhold funds that Congress has appropriated?  Why or why not?

In this episode, the Friends of Publius engage in a conversation about the elections and political parties in the U.S. political system.  This question is from Unit 6, Question 3 of the Center for Civic Education’s We the People curriculum.

How do modern elections in America differ from those envisioned by the Framers of the Constitution?

What has been the impact of political parties on our electoral structures and governmental systems?

How have the roles and responsibilities of voters changed over time?  What suggestions would you make to increase voter participation?

In this episode, the Friends of Publius discuss the tensions between majority rule and minority rights.  This question is from Unit 5, Question 3 of the Center for Civic Education’s We The People curriculum.

How does the Bill of Rights heed Madison’s concern and protect minorities against the danger of majorities?

To what extent, if any, should individual rights set forth in the Bill of Rights be limited by the will of the majority?

Which rights do you think need the most protection today, and why?

In this episode, the Friends of Publius discuss the Albany Plan and whether this attempt at forming a union tells us something about American national identity.  This question is from Unit 1, Question 2 of the Center for Civic Education’s We The People curriculum.

The Albany Plan of 1754 was the first attempt to create a national union among the American colonies.  What concerns or limitation led American colonies to reject the Albany Plan?

How, if at all, did the outcome of the French and Indian War affect colonial efforts to unify?

In what ways did the American Revolution succeed or fail in fostering a shared national identity among the colonies?

In this episode, the Friends of Publius discuss whether the American Revolution was a social revolution, a political revolution, or both.  This question is from Unit 2, Question 1 of the Center for Civic Education’s We The People curriculum.  

Historian Gordon Wood wrote that in “destroying monarchy and establishing republics, they [the Founders] were changing their society as well as their governments.”

* In your opinion, was the American Revolution both a political and a social revolution?  

-What evidence is there that the American Revolution led to lasting changes in social structures, values, or institutions?

-In your view, how have later generations carried forward, or struggled with, the ideal of forming “a more perfect union”? 

In this episode, the Friends of Publius discuss James Madison’s proposal for a national veto at the 1787 Constitutional Convention.  This question is from Unit 2, Question 2 of the Center for Civic Education’s We the People curriculum.  

James Madison proposed that the national legislature have the authority to “veto” all state laws that threatened the national good.  To what extent was this a reasonable idea to place such power in the national legislature?

*In your opinion, has the supremacy clause functioned the way Madison’s national negative might have?  Why or why not?

*To what extent has Congress historically maintained its strength within the separation of powers framework?

In this episode, the Friends of Publius discuss the principles set forth by the legal and political scholars from We Hold These Truths.