Professor Ronald J. Pestritto explores the progressive political beliefs of Woodrow Wilson, examining his disagreements with the Founding Fathers' political theory of natural rights as expressed in the Declaration of Independence.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to session three, and select the corresponding RealAudio link to the left.

Professors Ronald J. Pestritto and Lance Robinson trace the development of political thought in the U.S., beginning with that suggested in the works and actions of the Founding Fathers and contrasting those views with those of later progressives.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to session one, and select the corresponding RealAudio link to the left.

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 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.

Professors John Moser and David Tucker discuss the development of the presidency as an institution in the United States, looking at the intentions of the Founding Fathers in creating the institution and what it has evolved into over time.

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

Professor David Tucker looks at the life and philosophies of Thomas Jefferson, examining what he wished to achieve in his political career and what he saw as necessary for good government.

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

Professor David Tucker discusses the life and character of George Washington. Tucker begins with a debate over the modern-day reaction to and interpretation of Thomas Jefferson's possible relationship with his slave Sally Hemings and the differences it makes (or does not make) in perceptions of Jefferson's character. He also digresses into general discussion of what qualities define a "good" president and how these perceptions have changed over time.

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

Professor Gordon Lloyd takes the listeners through the Constitution of United States, comparing it to the Articles of the Confederation and considering why it is less celebrated in popular memory than the Declaration of Independence.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to the Wednesday, June 26th, 9:00 am-10:30 am session. This should be the lecture "How to Read the Constitution." Select either the RealAudio image or text in the gray bar to the left of the main text.

Professor Gordon Lloyd looks at the Constitutional Convention and the debate over what form the new government and its constitution should take. He examines the final Constitution arrived at. This lecture continues from the lecture "Constitutional Convention II: The Convention in Crisis."

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

Professor Gordon Lloyd looks at the Constitutional Convention and the debate over what form the new government and its constitution should take. He examines the Connecticut Compromise. This lecture continues from the lecture "Constitutional Convention I: Debating the Virginia Plan."

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