
Jill Lepore on the American Constitution
The Brian Lehrer Show
00:00
The Evolution of Constitutional Beliefs
This chapter examines the 18th-century motivations behind the U.S. Constitution, highlighting the framers' views on reason, moral progress, and the complexities of constitutional amendments. It explores the historical struggles related to slavery, the rise of political parties, and the ongoing tension between originalism and evolving interpretations. The discussion also addresses how contemporary political movements influence perceptions of the Constitution and the strategies employed to navigate its amendment processes.
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