Your Weekly Constitutional

The United States Constitution creates what legal scholars typically call a "majoritarian" system of government. That is, the majority of voters typically controls the decisions made by the government.

But the Constitution leaves one big issue largely unaddressed: who gets to vote?

Professor Hank Chambers of the University of Richmond's law school helps us sort it all out.

Is it cruel and unusual punishment or a necessary correctional tool?

We'll speak with law professor and attorney Alex Reinert, who recently forged a landmark settlement with the State of New York over the use of this controversial practice.

Religious Freedom Restoration Acts. Just what exactly are all of these RFRA's sprouting up all around the country? And how do these similar pieces of legislation, both national and state, fit into the First Amendment's protection of religious freedom? And then what about gay rights? It gets a bit complicated, so Doug McKechnie, our First Amendment Guy, is here to help us sort it all out. Thank Heaven.

You've heard of the Underground Railroad, the clandestine, loosely-organized network of people who helped slaves escape from the South before the Civil War.

But Eric Foner knows more than you do. And now he's written a book about it: "Gateway to Freedom: The Hidden History of the Underground Railroad." Join us for a lively discussion with one of America's foremost historians.

Kids, and their parents, have constitutional rights, but the government has the power to protect its most vulnerable citizens. Sometimes those rights collide with that power, especially in cases of child abuse and neglect. This week, we'll examine one aspect of this important topic, the Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program.

We'll also talk about a great educational program called We the People, through which kids learn about their constitutional rights and responsibilities.

Join us!

In Part I, we told you about John Marshall, our first great Chief Justice, and the home he built in Richmond, Virginia. But we only had time to tour half of the house.

Please join Stewart and Jen Hurst-Wender of Preservation Virginia as we finish our tour!

John Marshall wasn't the first, nor the second, nor even the third. He was actually the fourth Chief Justice of the United States. But he was the first great Chief Justice, and probably the greatest of all time. He was also a husband, a father, a slave owner and a renowned host.

The many facets of Marshall's life are on display at the house he built in Richmond, Virginia, the city where he also built his career and spent most of his life. We recently went on a guided tour of the John Marshall House with Preservation Virginia's Jennifer Hurst-Wender. Now you can come along.

The Texas branch of the Sons of Confederate Veterans has proposed a specialty license plate. Texas has refused to produce one.

Wait, isn't this a free speech issue? Doesn't the First Amendment apply?

According to our First Amendment Guy, Doug McKechnie, it all depends upon who's doing the talking.

Join us!

Only one of the original 13 states refused to ratify the Constitution. Do you know which one?

Okay, now that you've looked at the picture, do you know why?

Join us for a complete and entertaining explanation from Thomas Howard of the Robert H. Smith Center for the Constitution at Montpelier. It's a fascinating tale, with twists, turns and serious conflicts, some of which persist to this day.

Is the U.S. Constitution more than just law? More than politics? Is it, perhaps, literature? Maybe even an epic poem?

Garrett Epps thinks so. Join us, and find out why.