Advisory Opinions Unity Is Dead, Long Live the Union
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Aug 29, 2024 
Yuval Levin, an influential thinker and author of 'American Covenant', discusses the unifying power of the Constitution in today's divided society. He highlights how our founding document can encourage compromise and restore effective governance. The conversation dives into the complexities of political unity, the historical evolution of constitutional interpretation, and the need for federalism reform. Levin argues for a renewed understanding of legislative roles to combat congressional dysfunction and the impact of centralized power.
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Constitution's Unifying Purpose
- The Constitution, designed for division, fosters not uniform thought but collective action.
- It channels disagreements into negotiation, bargaining, and compromise, promoting a realistic unity.
Founding Fathers' Divisions
- Early Americans viewed themselves as deeply divided, highlighting the Constitution's focus on managing conflict.
- Madison's worry about societal breakdown shaped the Constitution's emphasis on holding the nation together.
Overstated Disagreements
- Americans overestimate their divisions and underestimate their shared identity.
- Recognizing this tendency helps us address real problems within the existing system, fostering collaboration.