The Constitution in American Life: Featuring the Friends of Publius

In this episode, the Friends of Publius the Anti-Federalists and how their fears about the Constitution may or may not have been warranted.   This question is from Unit 2, Question 3 of the Center for Civic Education’s We the People curriculum. Discussion Question Unit 2 Question 3What features of the Constitution might the Anti-Federalists have had in mind that would threaten American liberties?In your opinion, would a second convention have reduced the Anti-Federalists’ concerns over the Constitution?  Why or why not?When examining American history, to what extent were the Anti-Federlists’ criticisms legitimate?

In this episode, the Friends of Publius discuss Congress and the reasons why it is the most ineffective branch of government.   This question is a revised version of Unit 4, Question 1 of the Center for Civic Education’s We the People curriculum. In 2006, Norm Ornstein and Thomas Mann wrote the book “The Broken Branch” about Congress.  They followed that up six years later with “Its Even Worse Than It Looks” arguing that Congress is not only broken but it may be permanently disabled.  To what extent do you agree with Mann and Ornstein?  Why?*If indeed Mann and Ornstein are right about Congress, what reforms/changes need to be made both in the Constitution and statutorily to fix this broken branch?*Kevin Kosar, Resident Scholar at the American Enterprise Institute argues that a major problem facing our constitutional system of government is that “Congress has been doing government on the cheap for decades….and we get what we pay for.”  Do you agree with Kosar’s position? 

In this episode, the Friends of Publius discuss the ways in which protest and patriotism have evolved and changed in the United States.   This question is from Unit 6, Question 2 of the Center for Civic Education’s We the People curriculum. Discussion Question Unit 6 Question 2What factors determine whether participants in public demonstrations are viewed as patriots or traitors?What, if any, common factors exist in both historical and contemporary demonstrations that are viewed as valid and patriotic?Under what circumstances, if any, should the government intervene to curtail political protests?

In this episode, the Friends of Publius discuss the intersection of the Fourth Amendment and technology.   This question is from Unit 5, Question 2 of the Center for Civic Education’s We the People curriculum. Discussion Question Unit 5 Question 2Justice Brandeis believed Fourth Amendment protections must adapt to technological change to safeguard liberty and privacy.  Do you agree?  Why or why not?To what extent have technological advancements throughout America’s 250-year history changed how the Supreme Court interprets the 4th Amendment?How might AI challenge or reshape current interpretations of 4th Amendment protections?  Should courts and lawmakers adjust legal standards in response?

In this episode, the Friends of Publius discuss the 13th Amendment, how it has been interpreted over time, and the issue of systemic racism in the USA today.  This question is from Unit 3, Question 3 of the Center for Civic Education’s We the People curriculum. Discussion Question Unit 3 Question 3What did the Supreme Court mean by the phrase, “badges and incidents of slavery” in the 1883 Civil Rights Cases?What are some examples of “badges and incidents of slavery” that remained after the 13th Amendment was ratified?  How has Congress responded over time to address these issues?Should Congress pass additional legislation today to address the ongoing effects of slavery or systemic discrimination?  Why or why not?