We the People

Best-selling author Michael Lewis discusses his latest work, exploring the vital yet often overlooked stories of civil servants who drive government functionality. He shares inspiring tales like that of Arthur A. Allen, a Coast Guard hero, and Christopher Mark, who redefines public service against family legacy pressures. The conversation also highlights Heather Stone's battle against rare diseases and the crucial role of government in ensuring safety in mining. Through engaging storytelling, Lewis emphasizes the importance of recognizing these dedicated individuals.

Adam Cox, a law professor at NYU and expert in immigration law, teams up with Ilya Somin, a constitutional studies professor at George Mason University. They dive into the Trump administration's controversial use of the Alien Enemies Act for deportations, analyzing its historical context and legal implications. The discussion touches on due process, free speech rights, and the definition of 'invasion' within immigration law. They raise concerns over the intersection of political expression and deportation, questioning the administration's approach toward immigrant activists.

Kate Huddleston, senior legal counsel of litigation at the Campaign Legal Center, and Michael McConnell, Richard and Frances Mallery Professor and director of the Constitutional Law Center at Stanford Law School, join Jeffrey Rosen to debate whether the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has acted lawfully in firing federal workers and freezing federal spending. Resources Campaign Legal Center, Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief, U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia (March 3, 2025)  Michael McConnell and Laurence Tribe, “Is Musk’s DOGE Dodging the Law?,” Open to Debate (March 7, 2025)  Stay Connected and Learn More Questions or comments about the show? Email us at podcast@constitutioncenter.org Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr. Sign up to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate. Follow, rate, and review wherever you listen. Join us for an upcoming live program or watch recordings on YouTube. Support our important work. Donate

Jonathan Rauch, author of "Cross Purposes: Christianity's Broken Bargain with Democracy," and Julian Zelizer, author of "In Defense of Partisanship," dive into the escalating partisanship in America. They discuss the vital connection between faith and civic participation, examining how religious values can enhance democratic engagement. The conversation touches on the impacts of Christian nationalism within Republican politics and the importance of reviving interfaith dialogue to bridge ideological divides, while also promoting optimism and foundational American ideals.

Jamelle Bouie, a political commentator for The New York Times, David French, a legal analyst at The Dispatch, Sarah Isgur, a legal and political expert, and Melissa Murray, a constitutional law professor, delve into the Supreme Court's intricate relationship with the Trump administration. They discuss pressing issues like the unitary executive theory and the evolving role of executive power. The conversation also highlights the challenges of balancing authority and judicial oversight, exploring the implications for environmental policy and potential executive overreach.

In this engaging discussion, guests Yuval Levin, a political expert at the American Enterprise Institute, and Melody Barnes, former White House Domestic Policy Council Director, explore the evolving nature of presidential power. They examine the implications of recent executive actions and historical parallels of political violence, particularly in relation to the Civil War. Joined by Charles Cooke, a National Review writer, and Joanne Freeman, a Yale historian, the conversation emphasizes checks and balances essential for democracy amid rising concerns of authoritarianism.

In a rich discussion, Sherrilyn Ifill, a civil rights leader and educator, joins Pamela Brandwein, a legal scholar on Reconstruction, and Ilan Wurman, an expert on the 14th Amendment. They explore the historical context that birthed the 14th Amendment and its implications for modern civil rights. The guests debate the original versus modern interpretations of the amendment, the tensions in Reconstruction politics, and the ongoing struggle for equality. Their insights connect past injustices to contemporary challenges, highlighting the 14th Amendment's enduring impact.

Steve Vladeck, a law professor and CNN Supreme Court analyst, teams up with Gary Schmitt, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, to dissect President Trump's executive orders since January 2025. They delve into legal challenges surrounding appropriated funds and the tension between Congressional authority and executive power. The duo discusses controversial orders affecting gender definitions and military policy, as well as the implications of a new advisory board at USAID. Their insights reveal the ongoing constitutional battles shaping American governance.

Jamelle Bouie, a New York Times columnist, and Melvin Rogers, a political science professor at Brown University, dive deep into the Black intellectual tradition's influence on American democracy. They discuss key figures like David Walker and W.E.B. Du Bois, exploring their calls for equal citizenship and the moral imperatives of civic engagement. The conversation also touches on emotional appeals from activists like Ida B. Wells and James Baldwin, emphasizing the role of culture and law in the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality.

Michael Gerhardt, a constitutional law expert, Kate Masur, a distinguished historian of Reconstruction, and Ted Widmer, author and contributor, engage in a lively discussion about presidential inaugural addresses. They analyze Trump’s second address alongside historical speeches by iconic leaders such as Lincoln and FDR. The conversation delves into the evolution of presidential rhetoric, contrasting themes of unity and division, and the speeches' roles in shaping political discourse. These insights reveal how inaugural addresses serve as pivotal reflections of American values and ideals.