Professor David Forte looks at the U.S. Constitution and its interpretation, focusing on how Supreme Court Justices have interpreted it—and their own role in lawmaking—throughout U.S. history.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to the Wednesday, July ninth, 7:30 pm guest lecture; and select the RealAudio link to the left of the main body of text.

Professor Douglas W. Kmiec examines the relationship between the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, looking at what the two documents actually say, how they are commonly interpreted, and what the Founders' original intentions may have been. He also examines where the rights described in both originate from—that is, the concept of natural law.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to the guest lecture before session seven, and select the RealAudio link to the left.

Professor Jeffrey Sikkenga describes the Marshall Court—that is, the Supreme Court under Chief Justice John Marshall (served from 1801 to 1835), who, as Chief Justice, established the authority of the Court to declare void laws that violate the U.S. Constitution and to, thus, interpret the Constitution. Sikkenga examines particularly the 1803 case Marbury v. Madison.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to session two, and select the RealAudio link to the left of the main body of text.

Professors Christopher Flannery and David Tucker examine the definitions of the ideal American character, government, and values today and how they are both different and similar to those of the past. They look at materials written and spoken by George W. Bush and 1984 and 1988 presidential candidate Gary Hart.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to session 13, and select the RealAudio link to the left of the main body of text.

Professor Christopher Flannery walks through the Federalist Papers. He focuses particularly on the qualities of the American citizen and government, as suggested by the Papers.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to session three; and select either the RealAudio image or link in the gray bar to the left of the main body of text.

Professor Allen Guelzo examines Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, looking critically at its use of language and Lincoln's motivations in writing it.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to the guest lecture following session nine, and select the RealAudio link to the left.

An older version of this lecture can be found here.

Professor Mackubin T. Owens looks at perceptions of Abraham Lincoln, both during his presidency and over the course of American history.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to session one; and select either the RealAudio image or link in the gray bar to the left of the main body of text.

An older version of this lecture can be found here.

Professor Lucas E. Morel details the debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas in the 1858 campaign for an Illinois seat in the United States Senate. Morel looks at the discussion of slavery in these debates. This lecture continues from the lecture "Lincoln-Douglas Debates, Part One."

To listen to this lecture, scroll to session seven, and select the RealAudio image or link in the gray bar to the left of the main body of text.

Professor Schramm discusses Abraham Lincoln's use of language in his composition of speeches and written works.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to the Wednesday, August seventh, 4:30 pm-6:00 pm session; and select the RealAudio link or image in the gray bar to the left of the main body of text.

Professor David Tucker examines the presidency of Abraham Lincoln, its perception throughout history, and its impact on the course of American history. Tucker particularly looks at the Emancipation Proclamation and what it reveals about Lincoln and his intentions as president.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to session seven, and select the RealAudio image or link in the gray bar to the left of the main body of text.