Separation of Powers
Our system of government is set up to control power, this animation explains how.
The Long View
Historians Richard Beeman and Akhil Amar explain how the Constitution's ability to change.
Change does not always mean you need an Amendment
Amendments are not the only way to change rights, learn more from the ERA and Title 9.
Framework
Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor explains the steps to understanding law and the role of the supreme court.
Who should change the Constitution?
Professor Kurt Lash talks about why he believes any changes to the Constitution should be made by legislators or the people instead of judges.
Change the Constitution?
Yale professor Akhil Amar talks about what changes he would, personally, like to see made to the Constitution.
Why has the Constitution lasted so long?
Yale professor Akhil Amar talks about why our Constitution has endured as long as it has. He believes this is because of its ability to be amended.
Congressional Gridlock, can it be good?
Yale professor Akhil Amar talks about Congressional gridlock. Did the framers have this in mind when they drafted the Constitution? Can gridlock be good?
What are the duties of the U.S. president?
Historian Rick Beeman shares some insight behind the creation of the office of U.S. President and explains why the role's duties are hardly touched upon at all in the Constitution.
What are activist judges?
Federal Judge Harvie Wilkinson discusses the concept of "activist judges" and why he believes both Constitutional originalists and those who back the idea of a "living constitution" have it wrong.
Liberty, equality and the 14th Amendment
What exactly does "liberty" mean? What does "equality" mean? Columbia law Professor Jamal Greene talks about why we've had so many legal battles about those few words in the 14th amendment.
Why the federal government is necessary
Harvard Professor Jody Freeman explains why she believes it's sometimes necessary to rely on the power of the federal government - especially when it pertains to environmental law and federal efficiency standards.
The delicate balance of federal and state government
Historian Rick Beeman discusses the delicate balance between the federal government and state governments that the founders were trying to achieve. Which did the founders believe should have more power?
State power and the federal government
Steve DeAngelo, director of Harborside Health Center - a medical marijuana dispensary - expresses his beliefs that states should have the power to create and enforce their own laws without interference from the federal government.
How the first amendment works
New York Times Editor Bill Keller explains why he loves the first amendment -- and why he believes it's a gift, not only to writers, but to readers as well.
What IS freedom of speech?
UCLA Law Professor Eugene Volokh explains why the freedom of speech doesn't mean "the freedom to say whatever you want, wherever you want." He also touches upon why it's so important for a democracy to have freedom of speech and of the press.
The argument for same sex marriage
Lawyers Ted Olson & David Boies explain why they're arguing for the right for same-sex couples to marry. They say the 14th amendment's equal protection clause awards equal rights for all citizens, regardless of sexual preference.
Rights... have we gone too far?
Yale Professor Akhil Amar talks about rights. Have we gone too far in claiming rights not enumerated in the Constitution? Or have we simply been following in the spirit of the document?
What does separation of church and state mean?
University of Notre Dame Professor Rick Garnett talks about separation of church and state -- and why he believes the founders intended that phrase to mean "freedom to practice your religion openly" rather than "freedom from religion in the public sphere."
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