Charles Sumner: Conscience of a Nation

Run time: 58 minutes

Charles Sumner was an abolitionist senator who helped to write the post-Civil War Constitution and give birth to modern civil rights law. Zaakir Tameez, author of the new biography Charles Sumner: Conscience of a Nation, joins Jeffrey Rosen to discuss Sumner as a moral thinker, political activist, and constitutional visionary. Listen now

Executive Authority: Presidential Power From America’s Founding to Today

Run time: 58 minutes

Legal scholars Gillian Metzger and Saikrishna Prakash examine the founders’ vision for the presidency, how presidential power has changed over time, and the key constitutional debates that have shaped the modern presidency. The discussion will also explore how the Trump presidency fits within this historical context and what it means for the future of presidential power. Watch now

We the People and Live at the National Constitution Center are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more 

Supreme Court begins homestretch in Trump administration’s shadow

by Marcia Coyle | Read time: 4 minutes

“With the arrival of June, the Supreme Court heads into the homestretch of the October 2024-2025 term, which has often been in the shadows of the Justices’ handling of emergency challenges involving President Trump’s numerous executive orders. …” Read more

Four cases when the writ of habeas corpus was suspended

by Scott Bomboy | Read time: 5 minutes

“Recent talk in Washington about the possible suspension of the writ of habeas corpus is drawing new attention to the rare cases in American history when such drastic acts have happened. …” Read more

Jim Obergefell and Debbie Cenziper: The Story of Obergefell

Run time: 59 minutes

In celebration of Pride Month, watch this previously recorded America's Town Hall program with Jim Obergefell, lead plaintiff in Obergefell v. Hodges, and the Washington Post's Debbie Cenziper, as they provide a behind-the-scenes look inside the landmark Supreme Court case that extended the right to marry to same-sex couples. Carrie Johnson, Justice Correspondent for NPR, moderates. Watch now

15th Amendment

“The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.”

Read interpretations in the Interactive Constitution

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