Can President Trump Federalize the California National Guard?

Run time: 57 minutes

On June 7, President Trump asserted control over California’s National Guard. In this episode, Professor Michael Ramsey and Liza Goitein join Jeffrey Rosen to explore the meaning of 10 U.S.C. 12406 and unpack California Governor Gavin Newsom’s lawsuit challenging the legality of President Trump’s actions. Listen now

W.E.B. Du Bois and His Impact on America With David Levering Lewis

Run time: 47 minutes

In celebration of Juneteenth, Pulitzer Prize–winning historian David Levering Lewis, author of the definitive two-volume biography of W.E.B. Du Bois, explores Du Bois’ life, legacy, and enduring impact on American history, while also discussing his own new memoir, The Stained Glass Window. 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 

After Supreme Court decision, states become primary battlefield for transgender rights

by Marcia Coyle | Read time: 4 minutes

“By leaving the “wisdom” and “fairness” of transgender minors’ health care to “the people, their elected representatives, and the democratic process,” the Supreme Court’s conservative majority, in a decision starkly reminiscent of its 2022 overruling of Roe v. Wade, left in place a long and difficult legal path forward for advocates of transgender rights. …” Read more

Does the president need Congress to approve military actions in Iran?

by Scott Bomboy | Read time: 5 minutes

“The current military conflict between Iran and Israel has led to speculation about the involvement of American military resources in the region and revived a debate about when Congress needs to approve such actions when taken by the president. …” Read more

June 21, 1788: The day the Constitution was ratified

“On June 21, 1788, the Constitution became the official framework of the government of the United States of America when New Hampshire became the ninth of 13 states to ratify it. The journey to ratification, however, was a long and arduous process. …” Read more

Credit: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts 

10th Amendment

“The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”

Read interpretations in the Interactive Constitution

Support the Center

Your generous support enables the National Constitution Center to thrive as America’s leading platform for nonpartisan constitutional education and civil dialogue.  

Connect With Us

Update your email preferences by clicking the Update Profile link below to subscribe to other National Constitution Center newsletters and manage how often you hear from us.