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.
101
The Shadow Docket Debate
Experts explore the current debate surrounding the Supreme Court’s “shadow docket.”
57 min
102
The Evolution of Judicial Independence in Ameri...
Two federal judges discuss their experiences upholding judicial independence in the face of contemporary challenges
60 min
103
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
104
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
105
The Future of Affirmative Action
Discussing the affirmative action cases before the Supreme Court and their potential impact
56 min
106
Women and the American Idea
Authors discuss key women who inspired constitutional change throughout American history
67 min
107
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
108
Civic Virtue and Citizenship
Discussing the concepts of civic virtue and citizenship in democratic societies
55 min
109
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
110
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
111
Lessons from Tocqueville in America
What can a 200-year-old book teach us about democracy in America today?
52 min
112
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
113
Affirmative Action and the 14th Amendment
55 min
114
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
115
Justice William O. Douglas: Public Advocate and...
Discussing the constitutional legacy of U.S. Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas
55 min
116
Cicero and the Constitution
Exploring the political ideas of Cicero, his impact on America, and what we can learn from him today
56 min
117
The Battle for the American West
Discussing a historical overview of U.S. westward expansion, manifest destiny, and the impact on native peoples and tribes
58 min
118
Thomas Jefferson: The Reader and Writer
Explore Thomas Jefferson’s life and legacy through the lens of his own education
59 min
119
Justice Stephen Breyer on the Importance of Civ...
Hearing from the recently retired justice on the importance of civic engagement and civil disagreement
54 min
120
Election 2022: Are We Ready?
Discussing election integrity, voting rights, and proposed election reforms to help bolster democratic guardrails in the United States
67 min
121
The NCC’s Constitutional Convention Reports: Th...
Discussing five constitutional amendments proposed by conservative, libertarian, and progressive scholars
63 min
122
Originalism: A Matter of Interpretation
Discussing whether and how the U.S. Constitution should be interpreted according to its original meaning
60 min
123
Oligarchies, Monopolies, and the Constitution
Discussing the framers' intentions around the distribution of political power in the United States
57 min
124
Abortion Law in the U.S. and Abroad After Roe
Exploring how U.S. abortion law after Roe compares to that of other countries
59 min
125
Restoring the Guardrails of Democracy
Identifying institutional, legal, and technological reforms that might address current threats to American democracy
56 min