A Reconsideration of the Original Case Against the Bill of Rights, Part Two

Description

Professor Hadley Arkes returns to the original debate over whether the Bill of Rights should be added to the Constitution. He looks at the arguments that were put forward, the basis of these arguments, and the repercussions the inclusion of and the contents of the Bill of Rights have had on U.S. history. He uses the 1986 U.S. Supreme Court case Goldman v. Weinberger as a frame for discussing these issues. This lecture continues from the lecture "A Reconsideration of the Original Case Against the Bill of Rights, Part One."

The Emancipation Moment: Abraham Lincoln and the First of January, 1863, Part Two

Description

Professor Allen C. Guelzo traces Abraham Lincoln's views and political decisions regarding slavery, leading finally up to the Emancipation Proclamation. He questions and explores the text and Lincoln's possible intentions in writing it, looking at the context within which it was written. Guelzo also focuses on changing perceptions of the Proclamation, from admiration to criticism, and looks at why this change occurred. This lecture continues from the lecture "The Emancipation Moment: Abraham Lincoln and the First of January, 1863, Part One."

Benjamin Franklin, Part Two

Description

Professor Steven Forde talks about the life and beliefs of Benjamin Franklin, using Franklin's writings to explore these issues. Forde looks at the ways in which Franklin was both different from and similar to the other founders, at the written legacy he has left, and Franklin's religious beliefs. This lecture continues from the lecture "Benjamin Franklin, Part One."

Benjamin Franklin, Part One

Description

Professor Steven Forde talks about the life and beliefs of Benjamin Franklin, using Franklin's writings to explore these issues. Forde looks at the ways in which Franklin was both different from and similar to the other founders, at the written legacy he has left, and at the virtues he felt were necessary for democratic government to succeed.