The American Revolution and the Construction of Government

Is America a republic or a democracy? Jonah has forced many recent Remnant guests to answer this question, but only Jay Cost—a historian and senior fellow at AEI—has written a whole book on the subject. It’s called (creatively enough) Democracy or Republic? The People and the Constitution, and Jay joins the show today to flesh out its thesis. In an era of declining civic virtue and institutional trust, are the tools of government that the Founders developed strong enough to deal with today’s challenges? What are the pros and cons of the democratic process? And how can we help restore an understanding of the Constitution among America’s youth?

Show Notes:

- Jay’s page at AEI

- Jay’s new book, Democracy or Republic? The People and the Constitution

- Jay’s previous Remnant appearance

- The Remnant with Jim Pethokoukis

- Irving Kristol: “The American Revolution as a Successful Revolution”

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