Consider the Constitution is a podcast from the Robert H. Smith Center for the Constitution at James Madison's Montpelier. The show provides insight into consti...
Executive Authority: Constitutional Leadership in the Modern Presidency
What defines constitutional leadership in today's complex political landscape? Dr. Barbara Perry, co-director of the presidential oral history program at the Miller Center, examines how modern presidents navigate their constitutional authority while facing unprecedented challenges. Drawing from her extensive work conducting presidential oral histories, Perry illuminates the delicate balance between executive power and constitutional constraints, from the critical process of peaceful power transitions to the expansion of civil rights. Through compelling stories of presidents from both parties, she reveals how different leaders have interpreted their constitutional role, managed times of crisis, and shaped the office of the presidency. The conversation explores how the founders' vision for executive authority, first shaped by James Madison, continues to evolve as each president grapples with their constitutional obligations to preserve, protect, and defend American democracy.
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36:40
Presidential Pardon Power
In this episode of Consider the Constitution, we explore the presidential pardon power with Professor Kim Whele from the University of Baltimore Law School. The discussion covers the historical origins of pardons from British common law, its incorporation into the U.S. Constitution, and how this power has evolved through American history through the recent pardons by both President Biden and President Trump in 2024-2025.
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21:34
Transfer of Power: Lessons from 1800
Bitter rivals, fake news, and fears of biblical proportions—welcome to the U.S. presidential election of 1800. Consider the Constitution Host Katie Crawford-Lackey and historian John Ragosta unpack America's first transfer of power between opposing parties, revealing surprising parallels to our current political moment.
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26:47
What Would Madison Make of TikTok?
How would James Madison, the architect of the First Amendment, view today's controversial TikTok ban debate? Host Dr. Katie Crawford Lackey and constitutional expert Dr. Lynn Uzzell explore the surprising parallels between 18th-century free speech battles and our modern social media challenges.
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28:21
Consider The Constitution: Highlights from Season One
In this season finale, host Dr. Katie Crawford Lackey and producer Adam Belmar reflect on key conversations from the first season of Consider the Constitution Podcast. They revisit notable discussions with constitutional scholars about Article III, judicial review, Madison's vision for managing political diversity, and the evolution of constitutional rights. Highlights include insights on voting rights, the legacy of Reconstruction, privacy in the digital age, and George Washington's approach to the presidency. The episode emphasizes how the Constitution continues to shape American democracy while underscoring the importance of civic engagement and education.Scholars in this episode:1. Dr. Lauren Bell - discussing Article III2. F. Michael Higginbotham - on judicial review3. Dr. Jay Cost - on Madison's vision for political diversity4. Dr. Beau Breslin - on constitutional endurance and Jefferson's views5. Dr. Lynn Uzzell - on the Bill of Rights6. Professor Kendra Johnson - on privacy rights and technology7. Jade Ryerson - on the right to assembly8. Dr. Pippa Holloway - on voting rights9. Professor Julie Suk - on women's suffrage10. Dr. DeAnza Cook - on the 13th Amendment and mass incarceration11. Dr. Hasan Jeffries - on Reconstruction and originalism12. Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky - on George Washington's presidency13. David O. Stewart - on Washington at the Constitutional Convention14. Dr. John Ragosta - on early political divisions15. Professor Michael Gerhardt - on impeachment
Consider the Constitution is a podcast from the Robert H. Smith Center for the Constitution at James Madison's Montpelier. The show provides insight into constitutional issues that directly affect every American. Hosted by Dr. Katie Crawford Lackey the podcast features interviews with constitutional scholars, policy and subject matter experts, heritage professionals, and legal practitioners.
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