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
Mercy Otis Warren was no ordinary figure in America’s founding story. How many women of her time had the opportunity to receive a classical education, let alone become influential political thinkers and writers? As one of the few, Warren used her intellect and talent to champion liberty during the American Revolution. But why is her name so often left out of the history books?
In this episode of This Constitution, Matthew Brogdon sits down with Kirstin Birkhaug, assistant professor of political science at Hope College, to uncover the life and work of this revolutionary thinker. What made her writings so impactful that even John Adams admitted to feeling intimidated by her intellect? How did her radical views on liberty shape her critiques of the U.S. Constitution, and what can they teach us in today’s political climate?
During the conversation, Matthew and Kristin delve into Warren’s enduring legacy—her critiques of unchecked power, her defense of individual rights, and her advocacy for civic virtue. It also addresses her political affiliations and relationships with prominent figures like John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, clarifying her alignment with Jefferson’s ideals and the complexities of her evolving relationship with Adams, which transitioned from initial camaraderie to tension.
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Our Guest
Dr. Kirstin Birkhaug is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Hope College. She teaches a variety of political science courses, including Introduction to American Politics and upper-level political theory. Her research focuses on early A
What does the "pursuit of happiness" really mean? It’s a question we often skim over, but the Founding Fathers had a very specific idea in mind—one deeply rooted in classical virtue and self-mastery. In this episode, Matthew Brogdon sits down with Jeff Rosen, President and CEO of the National Constitution Center, to unpack this phrase from the Declaration of Independence and its implications for personal and political life.
Rosen shares insights from his latest book, The Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America, exploring how figures like Jefferson, Franklin, and Adams connected happiness with moral improvement and self-discipline. From Aristotle to Cicero and beyond, we discuss how ancient philosophy shaped the Founders' vision of a flourishing life and a well-ordered republic.
What lessons can we learn from the Founders’ emphasis on virtue? And how do we reconcile their moral aspirations with their glaring contradictions, such as the perpetuation of slavery? Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on how the pursuit of virtue can inform our understanding of happiness, freedom, and modern democracy.
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Matthew Brogdon
Jeff Rosen
What if the biggest threats to our democracy aren’t coming from outside our borders, but from within? In 1838, a young Abraham Lincoln warned exactly about that in his Lyceum Address. Standing before a group of young men, he didn’t just talk about foreign invaders or military conflict. Instead, he sounded the alarm about the dangers of mob rule, unchecked ambition, and a nation losing respect for the rule of law.
Sounds eerily familiar, right? Lincoln’s words still hold weight today, as we face the same questions about how we protect our democracy in the face of division, violence, and political instability. So, what can we learn from Lincoln’s vision of a government where the law reigns supreme?
In this episode of This Constitution, Savannah Eccles Johnston and Matthew Brogdon delve into Lincoln’s prophetic address, unpacking his fears of demagoguery and mob rule, the moral dilemmas of civil disobedience, and the delicate balance required to protect democratic institutions. Lincoln believed that reverence for the law—even when flawed—was essential for preserving liberty and order. But how do we reconcile this with the pursuit of justice in the face of unjust laws?
Join us for an engaging conversation that bridges Lincoln’s legacy with the complexities of contemporary governance. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore what his words mean for the challenges we face today—tune in now!
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What happened to the presidency around the turn of the 20th century? How did it go from being a strong institution under leaders like Washington and Lincoln to one that progressives saw as weak and ineffective? Could it be that the rapid changes of the Progressive Era revealed cracks in the system? What was it that so frustrated these thinkers, prompting them to call for a powerful transformation of the office?
In this episode of This Constitution, Matthew Brogdon chats with Jordan Cash, an assistant professor at James Madison College, about the fascinating evolution of the presidency during the Progressive Era. They unpack Roosevelt’s stewardship theory, Wilson’s “Darwinian” approach to government, and the shift from seeing the presidency as a static institution to recognizing the dynamic potential of individual leaders. From the creation of the Executive Office of the President to the ongoing struggle of balancing power and constitutional principles, this conversation connects the dots between then and now.
Curious about how the presidency became what it is today—and where it’s headed? Hit play and join the conversation!
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Our Guest
Jordan Cash is an assistant professor of political theory and constitutional democracy at James Madison College, Michigan State University. A passionate presidency scholar, he’s written insightful works like The Isolated Presidency and Adding the Lone Star: John Tyler, Sam Houston, and the Annexation of Texas. With expertise in the presidency and political institutions, Jordan also offers a deep dive into congressional history, making him a go-to source for understanding the inner workings of American governance.
Who Needs Congress? POTUS as Chief Executive
Who holds the real power in Washington's sprawling federal bureaucracy? In this episode, Savannah Eccles Johnston and Matthew Brogdon explore the President's role as Chief Executive. How does a single individual manage thousands of appointments, oversee countless agencies, and navigate the fine line between legislative and executive power?
From historical controversies like Andrew Jackson's firing of the Treasury Secretary to modern debates over the administrative state's autonomy, this episode dives into the constitutional principles and political realities that shape executive power.
Curious about who truly controls the levers of power in Washington’s sprawling bureaucracy? Tune in to explore the President’s role as Chief Executive and challenge your understanding of executive authority in America.
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Notable Quotes
Resources and Links
This Constitution
Savannah Eccles Johnston
Matthew Brogdon
When bombs drop and troops mobilize, who pulls the strings—Congress or the President? Can we afford to leave the fate of nations in the hands of one person, or does the voice of the people demand more say? The Founding Fathers designed checks and balances for a reason, but when it comes to war powers, does the balance still hold?
In this episode of This Constitution, Savannah Eccles Johnston and Matthew Brogdon delve into the war powers outlined in the U.S. Constitution, focusing on the balance of authority between Congress and the President. They discuss Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to declare war, and Article II, Section 2, which designates the President as Commander in Chief. The conversation covers historical precedents, the evolution of military authorizations, and modern implications, including the use of Authorizations for the Use of Military Force (AUMF). They emphasize the importance of understanding and navigating the constitutional framework governing war powers.
Curious about who truly holds the reins of military power? Tune in to learn more and challenge your understanding of war powers in America.
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Have you ever wondered what happens when an election unfolds in unexpected ways?
This episode dives into the surprisingly decisive 2024 presidential election, exploring its unique dynamics and the implications for American democracy. Despite expectations of a close race, the results were clear almost immediately, leaving room to reflect on the shifting coalitions, demographic trends, and the role of the Electoral College in modern elections. What does this tell us about the future of American politics?
Join hosts Savannah Eccles Johnston and Matthew Brogdon as they analyze what this election means for political parties, the electorate, and constitutional processes like the peaceful transfer of power.
Tune in for an engaging conversation that connects the election outcomes to broader themes in constitutional governance and American civic life.
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Notable Quotes
Matthew Brogdon
Savannah Eccles Johnston
Ever wonder why the candidate with the most votes doesn’t always win the presidency? Or question if the Electoral College still makes sense in today’s democracy? The Electoral College has been at the center of political debates for centuries, leaving many of us scratching our heads about its fairness and relevance. But how did this system come about, and why does it still determine our elections?
In this episode of This Constitution, hosts Savannah Eccles Johnston and Matthew Brogdon take a deep dive into the origins and evolution of the Electoral College, just in time for the 2024 presidential race. They explore the historical arguments that shaped its creation, the majority-takes-all system, and the mismatches between the popular vote and election outcomes that have left voters frustrated. From potential reforms like the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact to district-based voting, they break down the possibilities for change.
Curious to learn more and see how this system might impact the future of our democracy? Tune in now!
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Where’s the Party? Presidential Selection Gone Wrong
Are presidential elections as democratic as we believe? How did we go from the Framers' carefully crafted vision to the whirlwind of primaries and national conventions that define our elections today? Over the years, the process of selecting a president has transformed—political parties have risen, conventions have become essential, and now primaries dominate the scene. With growing concerns over corruption, demagogues, and the weakening role of superdelegates, it’s time to ask: Is this truly the best way to choose our nation's leader?
In this episode of This Constitution, host Savannah Eccles Johnston is joined by Byrd Professor of Politics at the University of Virginia, James Ceaser, to dive deep into the evolution of the U.S. presidential selection process. Together, they explore the Framers' original intentions, fears of foreign influence, and the rise of political parties. They also discuss Martin Van Buren’s pivotal role in democratizing the process, the fall of the "King Caucus," and the impact of the Progressive era’s primary system. With a closer look at the modern challenges of populism and party dynamics, this conversation uncovers whether today’s system still serves the democratic ideals it was meant to uphold.
Ready to rethink how we elect our leaders? Tune in to this episode and join the conversation!
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About James Ceaser
James W. Ceaser is the Harry F. Byrd Professor of Politics at the University of Virginia, where he also leads the Program on Constitutionalism and Democracy. An accomplished author, he has written several influential works on American politics and political theory, including Presidential Selection, Reconstructing America, and Nature and History in American Political Development.
In addition to his academic contributions, Ceaser frequently writes for popular outlets, such as The Weekly Standard and National Review. He has also served as a presidential appointee to the National Archives Commission.
Throughout his career, Ceaser has held visiting professorships at the University of Florence, the University of Basel, Oxford University, the University of Bordeaux, the University of Rennes, Harvard, and Princeton. In 2015, he was honored with the Bradley Prize.
Beyond his role on the Board of Directors, he serves as a member of the Academic Advisory Council for the Jack Miller Center.
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.
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