What’s New This Week

The History of the Speaker of the House

Run time: 1 hour, 4 minutes

Scholars Matthew Green and Josh Chafetz discuss the role and the history of the Speaker of the House, including the most notable Speakers throughout history, from Henry Clay to Joe Cannon to Nancy Pelosi, and how their legacies helped shaped the House and Congress as we know it. Listen 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 Latest at Constitution Daily Blog

In U.S. Supreme Court Arguments, Some Unexpected Truths About the Judicial System

by Marcia Coyle | Read time: 6 minutes

“In the U.S. Supreme Court, oral arguments usually focus on one or two legal questions that the justices have agreed to decide. But sometimes those arguments reveal unexpected and harsh truths about the way in which our judicial system is operating. ...” Read more

10 Essential Facts About Alexander Hamilton on His Birthday

by NCC Staff| Read time: 4 minutes

“On this day in 1755 or 1757, Alexander Hamilton was born in the Caribbean. If you need a quick primer on Hamilton, here are the essential facts about him. ...” Read more

More from the National Constitution Center

Discovering the Dream: A Look at Martin Luther King Jr.’s Speech

Monday, January 16 | 11:45 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. ET

Professor Chanelle N. Rose, associate professor of history at Rowan University, joins us to uncover the context and historical significance of one of the most famous speeches in American history. We’ll explore the origins of the Black freedom struggle, how the speech fits into the larger civil rights movement, and how it has become integrated into how we teach American history. Visit our website to register and to learn more about other Martin Luther King Jr. Day resources.

Constitutional Text of the Week

Article I, Section 2

“... The House of Representatives shall chuse their Speaker and other Officers; and shall have the sole Power of Impeachment.”

Read interpretations on the Interactive Constitution

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