Live at the National Constitution Center

Live constitutional conversations and debates featuring leading historians, journalists, scholars, and public officials hosted at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia and across America. To watch National Constitution Center Town Halls live, check out our schedule of upcoming programs at constitutioncenter.org/townhall. Register through Zoom to ask your constitutional questions in the Q&A or watch live on YouTube at YouTube.com/ConstitutionCenter.

News
History
51
The Forgotten Years of the Civil Rights Movement
Prize-winning historians Kate Masur and Dylan Penningroth discuss their latest books exploring the hidden histories behind the struggle for justice and equality.
60 min
52
How to Interpret the Constitution: A Citizen’s ...
Bestselling author Cass Sunstein unveils his new book with leading constitutional expert Philip Bobbit to discuss the current controversies surrounding constitutional interpretation.
54 min
53
The History of Religious Liberty in America
A live Constitution Day 2023 edition of America’s Town Hall examines the history of religious liberty
63 min
54
National First Amendment Summit
National First Amendment Summit, which was held at the National Constitution Center on September 13, 2023
157 min
55
2023 Annual Supreme Court Review
The National Constitution Center and ADL host legal experts and court watchers to discuss the most significant decisions of the term.
87 min
56
Montesquieu and the Constitution
Political theorists explore the influence of Montesquieu on American democracy.
61 min
57
The Modern History of Originalism
Libertarian and conservative experts discuss the modern development of originalism
58 min
58
Clarence Thomas and the Constitutional Stories ...
Judges discuss the constitutional legacy of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas
59 min
59
Deliberation and Democratic Norms in America
Authors explore strategies for overcoming partisan gridlock.
61 min
60
The State of Free Expression in the U.S. and Ab...
Free Speech Advocates Examine the global state of free expression
62 min
61
The Shadow Docket Debate
Experts explore the current debate surrounding the Supreme Court’s “shadow docket.”
57 min
62
The Evolution of Judicial Independence in Ameri...
Two federal judges discuss their experiences upholding judicial independence in the face of contemporary challenges
60 min
63
The Evolution of Judicial Independence in Ameri...
Exploring judicial independence and the federal courts in the 20th century and the major milestones that shaped the judiciary
39 min
64
The Evolution of Judicial Independence in Ameri...
Exploring the founders’ intentions surrounding the establishment of the federal judiciary and the role of the courts during the nation’s formative years
45 min
65
The Future of Affirmative Action
Discussing the affirmative action cases before the Supreme Court and their potential impact
56 min
66
Women and the American Idea
Authors discuss key women who inspired constitutional change throughout American history
67 min
67
Solicitors General and the Supreme Court
Discussing the various approaches to constitutional interpretation and key doctrines—including originalism, textualism, and the major questions doctrine
65 min
68
Civic Virtue and Citizenship
Discussing the concepts of civic virtue and citizenship in democratic societies
55 min
69
The Constitutional Role of the State Solicitor ...
Discussing the history of the office of the solicitor general and the role of state solicitors in litigating cases before the Supreme Court
53 min
70
Amendment Reform in America and Abroad
A panel of distinguished scholars survey the constitutional amendment process around the world to cast light on our debates in the U.S.
55 min
71
Lessons from Tocqueville in America
What can a 200-year-old book teach us about democracy in America today?
52 min
72
Slavery and Liberty at America’s Founding
Discussing Edward Larson's new book, American Inheritance: Liberty and Slavery in the Birth of a Nation, 1765-1795
66 min
73
Affirmative Action and the 14th Amendment
55 min
74
FDR and the Transformation of the Supreme Court
Discussing Franklin D. Roosevelt’s constitutional legacy, the court packing fight, and how his Supreme Court appointees transformed America.
57 min
75
Justice William O. Douglas: Public Advocate and...
Discussing the constitutional legacy of U.S. Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas
55 min