The Jordan Harbinger Show
994: A.J. Jacobs | The Year of Living Constitutionally
May 23, 2024
A.J. Jacobs, an author and experimenter, shares his year-long journey living according to the U.S. Constitution. He reveals how the founding fathers feared mob rule and balanced democracy with elitism. Exploring the original meanings of the Second Amendment and free speech, Jacobs highlights how perceptions have shifted. He reflects on the fragility of American democracy, advocating for fun ways to engage citizens, like baking 'election cakes.' With humor and insight, he emphasizes the importance of open-mindedness and the need for citizens to actively shape their government.
01:23:13
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Quick takeaways
- The founders of the US Constitution emphasized checks and balances to prevent mob rule, showing a mix of democratic principles and elitism.
- The original understandings of the Constitution's provisions differ significantly from modern interpretations, inviting disapproval from both liberal and conservative viewpoints.
Deep dives
The Historical Context of the Second Amendment
The podcast delves into the Second Amendment's original intent, highlighting differences in interpretation between gun rights advocates and gun control advocates. The originalist perspective focuses on the historical context, emphasizing civic duty to bear arms in the era of muskets and militia service, while the living constitutionalist view addresses the evolving societal needs and individual rights that extend beyond the Founding Fathers' intentions.
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