We look at the strength of our federal system and national character in light of Tocqueville’s reflections on the US Constitution.
Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines.
Leading Off (01:26) - We discuss last week’s vote on Senator Rand Paul’s resolution to declare a post-presidency impeachment trial unconstitutional. Links: The Hill reporting on the Senate vote; National Review on the Senate vote; Senator Rubio.
Required Reading (06:36) - Prof. Corbin leads us through a discussion of volume 1, part 1, chapters 6-8 of Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America and a selection from Thucydides’s History of the Peloponnesian War. The assignment for next week: DIA, part 2, chapter (pages 165-186 in the Mansfield/Winthrop edition).
Headlines (31:43) - In light of Tocqueville’s discussion of the preconditions for maintaining free government over time, we discuss the state of our federal system and national character in the early days of the Biden Administration. Links: Rahm Emanuel on crises; National Review editorial on a “climate emergency”; Issues and Insights editorial on cost-benefit analysis; National Review reporting on the Mexico City policy executive order; President Biden’s signing statement; new Marist poll on public funding for abortion (note: 77%--not 70%--of Americans oppose public funding of international abortions).
Open the Gradebook (48:10) - The NFL has replaced the Pro Bowl with a video game this year. In honor of that dubious choice, we grade the all-star games of the NBA, NFL, and MLB.
Tocqueville's Crystal Ball (54:36) - After a week of cold weather in New York and only mildly warm weather in California, we predict whether Punxsutawney Phil will see his shadow on Groundhog’s Day and consign us to another six weeks of winter.
Opening and closing music is from the beginning of "Happy Life" by Ryan Andersen from his 2018 album, Americana volume 1. Available here. Licensed by Creative Commons.
Instagram: @DemocracyinAmericaToday
Email: DemocracyinAmericaToday@gmail.com
Matt Parks is an Associate Professor of Politics at The King’s College in New York City. David Corbin is a Professor of Politics and the Vice President of Academic Affairs at Providence Christian College in Pasadena, California. All views expressed in this podcast are their own.
