Stay ConnectedThis Constitution is an every-two-weeks podcast ordained and established by the Center for Constitutional Studies at Utah Valley University, the home of Utah’s Civic Thought & Leadership Initiative.
Co-hosted by Savannah Eccles Johnston and Matthew Brogdon, This Constitution equips listeners with the knowledge and insights to engage with the most pressing political questions of our time, starting with Season 1, focusing on the powers and limits of the U.S. presidency.
Copyright: © 2024 This Constitution
Lincoln Saved the Union. Did He Violate the Constitution?
Did Abraham Lincoln really have to break the very rules he swore to uphold to save the nation? It’s a tough question, isn’t it? As the Civil War raged on, Lincoln faced a monumental dilemma: how far should a leader go to protect the country when the Constitution seemed to get in the way? He made some bold and controversial choices—suspending habeas corpus, expanding executive powers, and even issuing the Emancipation Proclamation. But were these actions truly necessary for winning the war, or did he step over the line?
In this episode of This Constitution, hosts Savannah Eccles Johnston and Matthew Brogdon dive into the challenging decisions Lincoln had to make during this turbulent time. They explore his suspension of habeas corpus and his decision to raise troops without congressional approval, all while trying to keep the nation together. Lincoln believed that extraordinary times called for extraordinary measures, and he thought the Constitution allowed for that. But how do we reconcile that with the importance of constitutional limits?
Join Savannah and Matthew as they discuss the tension between executive power and constitutional boundaries, revealing the complexities of Lincoln’s thinking during a national crisis. This isn’t just about history; it’s about understanding what leadership means when the stakes are high and the rules feel like they might hold us back.
In This Episode:
George Washington Builds the Presidency.
Are you ready to uncover how one man's choices shaped the very essence of the American presidency? How did George Washington, a military leader turned statesman, navigate the turbulent waters of power and liberty? What challenges did he face as he established the precedents that govern our leaders today?
In this episode of This Constitution, host Matthew Brogdon sits down with Paul Carrese to delve into George Washington's presidency, exploring his pivotal role in establishing the executive branch within the newly created Constitution. Carrese, a civic thought and leadership fellow, discusses Washington's challenges in legitimizing a strong executive role, influenced by classical sources and his commitment to public service. Key topics include Washington's handling of the national bank controversy, the Jay Treaty, and the Whiskey Rebellion, illustrating his balanced approach to executive power. The episode also highlights Washington's farewell address, emphasizing unity, the dangers of political parties, and his enduring legacy.
In This Episode:
An Elected Monarch? Creating the American Presidency.
Have you ever wondered how the Founding Fathers managed to create a powerful executive branch without sliding into dictatorship?
In this episode of This Constitution, host Savannah Eccles Johnston sits down with Greg Jackson, a professor of national security studies at Utah Valley University and the host of the podcastHistory That Doesn't Suck. Together, they dive into the fascinating history and theory behind the creation of the American presidency.
They tackle the tricky balance between a republican government and the need for a strong executive who can act decisively in a crisis—a challenge they call the "Hannibal dilemma." The conversation touches on Thomas Jefferson’s time as governor, the flaws of the Articles of Confederation, and the aftermath of Shays' Rebellion. By the end, they emphasize how crucial a solid executive branch is within a constitutional framework to handle emergencies and keep order.
In This Episode:
● (01:19) The Hannibal dilemma
● (02:10) Constitutional dictatorship
● (02:54) The risks of power
● (04:01) Theoretical foundations
● (04:37) Montesquieu's separation of powers
● (05:50) John Locke's influence
● (08:02) State constitutions post-revolution
● (09:22) Public sentiment towards executives
● (09:39) Key features of state constitutions
● (10:26) Outlier states: Pennsylvania and New York
● (12:09) Lessons from state experiences
● (13:14) Thomas Jefferson's experience in Virginia
● (13:26) Jefferson's governance challenges
● (14:21) Investigating Jefferson's conduct
● (15:19) Fear of executive power
● (15:41) Jefferson's mixed feelings on the Constitution
● (16:17) Constitutional powers vs. crisis management
● (17:15) Jefferson's legacy
● (17:59) States vs. national government
● (18:18) Articles of Confederation overview
● (19:26) Independence of states
● (20:53) Weaknesses of the Articles
● (22:10) Challenges of taxation
● (24:21) Debt and economic issues
● (25:10) George Washington's leadership
● (26:03) Military limitations of the Articles
● (26:27) Shays' Rebellion and constitutional reform
● (26:52) The creation of the U.S. Constitution
● (27:00) Hamilton's experience
● (27:44) Crisis government
● (29:43) Constitutional context of rebellion
The American presidency is likely the key contribution of the American Founding. And it's in response to democracy's inability to handle crisis. This is the dark logic of the American presidency at its heart.
You want to grant all necessary powers within the tension between the rule of law and the energetic executive, which is inherent in our system.
And the way you do this is to 1) Grant powers; and 2) Grant insulation.
This Constitution is an every-two-weeks podcast ordained and established by the Center for Constitutional Studies at Utah Valley University, the home of Utah’s Civic Thought & Leadership Initiative,
Co-hosted by Savannah Eccles Johnston and Matthew Brogdon, This Constitution equips listeners with the knowledge and insights to engage with the most pressing political questions of our time, starting with Season 1, focusing on the powers and limits of the U.S. presidency.
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