Today, debate rages over how to interpret the United States Constitution, especially what role history should play in that practice. When the generation that adopted the Constitution in the late eighteenth century first interpreted the document, what defined their debates? How do those debates compare to the ones structuring American constitutional law today? Join author and professor Jonathan Gienapp for a lecture exploring how to read the Constitution through lenses past and present and reflecting on what the creators can teach us about the Constitution today. A book signing and dessert reception will follow the program.
Thomas Paine's Common Sense, first published on January 10, 1776, with only 1,000 copies, quickly became one of the most influential works of the American Revolution. Students in Revolutionary Political Thought in Early America and Beyond co-curated the exhibition Revolutionary Paine using materials from the Clements Library to explore its rapid and far-reaching impact.
Inspired by the traditional Clements Library researcher tea time, we invite you to pull up a chair at our [virtual] table. Live attendees are encouraged to post comments and questions, respond to polls, and add to our conversation and camaraderie.
Inspired by the traditional Clements Library researcher tea time, we invite you to pull up a chair at our [virtual] table. Live attendees are encouraged to post comments and questions, respond to polls, and add to our conversation and camaraderie.
