The Founders, the Pursuit of Happiness, and the Virtuous Life

Run time: 1 hour, 12 minutes

Jeffrey Rosen talks about his new book, The Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America, followed by a panel discussion on the influence of classical writers and thinkers on the founding generation with panelists Eric Slauter, George Will, and Melody Barnes. Listen now

Following Tubman’s Trail: Unveiling Stories of the African American Quest for Freedom

Run time: 1 hour

In celebration of Black History Month, explore the history of the African American fight for freedom during the Civil War and Reconstruction periods with historians Edda Fields-Black and James Oakes. 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 

The Story Behind the Frederick Douglass Birthday Celebration

by Scott Bomboy | Read time: 4 minutes

“On February 14, America will observe the birthday of the iconic Frederick Douglass. While the year of his birth has been narrowed down to two possible candidates, the actual month and day Douglass was born are still unknown. ...” Read more

Supreme Court Raises Broad Questions About Colorado Ruling on Trump

by Scott Bomboy | Read time: 7 minutes

“In closely watched arguments at the U.S. Supreme Court last Thursday, many of the justices questioned the broad impact of a Colorado Supreme Court ruling that would disqualify former President Donald Trump from that state’s primary ballot. ...” Read more

1A: Jeffrey Rosen on ‘The Pursuit of Happiness’

NCC President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen joins WAMU’s 1A to talk about his new book, The Pursuit of Happiness, and what the founders had in mind for our country. Listen now

The Preamble

“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. ...”

Read interpretations in the Interactive Constitution

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