In celebration of Women’s History Month, award-winning historian Ellen DuBois, author of Elizabeth Cady Stanton: A Revolutionary Life, joins to discuss the life, ideas, and legacy of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the decades-long struggle for women’s suffrage. Thomas Donnelly, lead scholar of the National Constitution Center, moderates. 
This conversation was originally streamed live as part of the NCC’s America’s Town Hall series on March 23, 2026. 
 
Resources 
<ul>
 <li>Ellen Carol DuBois, <a href="https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/ellen-carol-dubois/elizabeth-cady-stanton/9781541647510/?lens=basic-books">Elizabeth Cady Stanton: A Revolutionary Life</a> (2026)</li>
 <li>Ellen Carol DuBois, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Suffrage-Womens-Long-Battle-Vote/dp/150116516X">Suffrage: Women’s Long Battle for the Vote</a> (2020) </li>
 <li>Ellen Carol DuBois, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1982141166?tag=simonsayscom">Eighty Years and More: Reminiscences 1815-1897</a> (2020) </li>
 <li>
<a href="https://constitutioncenter.org/the-constitution/supreme-court-case-library/minor-v-happersett">Minor v. Happersett</a> (1875) </li>
 <li>National Constitution Center, <a href="https://constitutioncenter.org/the-constitution/amendments/amendment-xix">The 19th Amendment</a>
</li>
</ul>
 
Stay Connected and Learn More
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 <li>Questions or comments about the show? Email us at <a href="mail%20to:%20podcast@constitutioncenter.org">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@constitutioncenter.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>⁠</li>
 <li>Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr</li>
 <li>Explore the <a href="https://constitutioncenter.org/america-at-250">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠America at 250 Civic Toolkit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>
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<description>In celebration of Women’s History Month, award-winning historian Ellen DuBois, author of Elizabeth Cady Stanton: A Revolutionary Life, joins to discuss the life, ideas, and legacy of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the decades-long struggle for women’s suffrage. Thomas Donnelly, lead scholar of the National Constitution Center, moderates. 

This conversation was originally streamed live as part of the NCC’s America’s Town Hall series on March 23, 2026. 



Resources 


 Ellen Carol DuBois, Elizabeth Cady Stanton: A Revolutionary Life (2026)

 Ellen Carol DuBois, Suffrage: Women’s Long Battle for the Vote (2020) 

 Ellen Carol DuBois, Eighty Years and More: Reminiscences 1815-1897 (2020) 

 
Minor v. Happersett (1875) 

 National Constitution Center, The 19th Amendment





Stay Connected and Learn More


 Questions or comments about the show? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@constitutioncenter.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

 Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr

 Explore the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠America at 250 Civic Toolkit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


 
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate

 Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen

 Join us for an upcoming ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠live program⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or watch recordings on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


 Support our important work


⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate</description>

Exploring women’s suffrage and the legacy of the 19th Amendment

In celebration of Women’s History Month, award-winning historian Ellen DuBois, author of Elizabeth Cady Stanton: A Revolutionary Life, joins to discuss the life, ideas, and legacy of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the decades-long struggle for women’s suffrage. Thomas Donnelly, lead scholar of the National Constitution Center, moderates. 

This conversation was originally streamed live as part of the NCC’s America’s Town Hall series on March 23, 2026. 



Resources 


  Ellen Carol DuBois, Elizabeth Cady Stanton: A Revolutionary Life (2026)

  Ellen Carol DuBois, Suffrage: Women’s Long Battle for the Vote (2020) 

  Ellen Carol DuBois, Eighty Years and More: Reminiscences 1815-1897 (2020) 

  
Minor v. Happersett (1875) 

  National Constitution Center, The 19th Amendment





Stay Connected and Learn More


  Questions or comments about the show? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@constitutioncenter.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr

  Explore the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠America at 250 Civic Toolkit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


  
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate

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Ellen DuBois on the Revolutionary Life of Elizabeth Cady Stanton

As the Center marks the 250th anniversary of the nation, we’re taking a closer look at the people, events, and ideas that set the American Revolution in motion and ultimately led to the creation and adoption of the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution. This moment invites us to broaden the story of the founding by exploring not only the familiar figures we often study, but also the wider community of thinkers who helped shape the principles of our constitutional democracy. 
In this episode Mary Sarah Bilder of Boston College Law School and Sara Georgini of the Massachusetts Historical Society join the program to discuss two remarkable women central to 18th-century intellectual life whose ideas influenced many of the era’s most notable figures: Catharine Macaulay and Mercy Otis Warren. Julie Silverbrook, Chief Content and Learning Officer at the National Constitution Center, moderates.
 
Resources 
<ul>
 <li>Mary Sarah Bilder, <a href="https://www.hup.harvard.edu/books/9780674979741">Madison's Hand: Revising the Constitutional Convention</a> (2017) </li>
 <li>Mary Sarah Bilder, <a href="https://www.hup.harvard.edu/books/9780674979741">The Transatlantic Constitution: Colonial Legal Culture and the Empire</a> (2008) </li>
 <li>Mary Sarah Bilder, <a href="https://www.upress.virginia.edu/title/5756/">Female Genius: Eliza Harriot and George Washington at the Dawn of the Constitution</a> (2022) </li>
 <li>Mary Sarah Bilder, <a href="https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5365310">Hater of Kings: Catharine Macaulay’s Constitutional Regicide and the Declaration of Independence</a>,” Boston College Law School Legal Studies Research Paper No. 654, (July 23, 2025) </li>
 <li>Sara Georgini, <a href="https://global.oup.com/academic/product/household-gods-9780197647219?cc=us&amp;lang=en&amp;">Household Gods: The Religious Lives of the Adams Family</a> (2022) </li>
 <li>Sara Georgini (series editor), <a href="https://www.masshist.org/publications/adams-papers/">Adams Papers Digital Edition</a>, Massachusetts Historical Society </li>
 <li>Karen Green (editor), <a href="https://global.oup.com/academic/product/the-correspondence-of-catharine-macaulay-9780190934460?cc=us&amp;lang=en&amp;">The Correspondence of Catharine Macaulay</a> (2019) </li>
 <li>
<a href="https://chrome-extension//efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.gilderlehrman.org/sites/default/files/2025-03/GLC01800.02_OS.pdf">Mercy Otis Warren Letter to Catharine Macaulay, August 24, 1775,</a> Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
</li>
</ul>
 
Stay Connected and Learn More
<ul>
 <li>Questions or comments about the show? Email us at <a href="mail%20to:%20podcast@constitutioncenter.org">⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@constitutioncenter.org⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>⁠</li>
 <li>Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr</li>
 <li>Explore the <a href="https://constitutioncenter.org/america-at-250">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠America at 250 Civic Toolkit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>
</li>
 <li>
<a href="http://bit.ly/constitutionweekly">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate</li>
 <li>Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen</li>
 <li>Join us for an upcoming <a href="https://constitutioncenter.org/news-debate/americas-town-hall-programs">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠live program⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> or watch recordings on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoAU4X6DUZSt5n6aI74Hw0A">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>
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 <li>Support our important work</li>
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<description>As the Center marks the 250th anniversary of the nation, we’re taking a closer look at the people, events, and ideas that set the American Revolution in motion and ultimately led to the creation and adoption of the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution. This moment invites us to broaden the story of the founding by exploring not only the familiar figures we often study, but also the wider community of thinkers who helped shape the principles of our constitutional democracy. 

In this episode Mary Sarah Bilder of Boston College Law School and Sara Georgini of the Massachusetts Historical Society join the program to discuss two remarkable women central to 18th-century intellectual life whose ideas influenced many of the era’s most notable figures: Catharine Macaulay and Mercy Otis Warren. Julie Silverbrook, Chief Content and Learning Officer at the National Constitution Center, moderates.



Resources 


 Mary Sarah Bilder, Madison's Hand: Revising the Constitutional Convention (2017) 

 Mary Sarah Bilder, The Transatlantic Constitution: Colonial Legal Culture and the Empire (2008) 

 Mary Sarah Bilder, Female Genius: Eliza Harriot and George Washington at the Dawn of the Constitution (2022) 

 Mary Sarah Bilder, Hater of Kings: Catharine Macaulay’s Constitutional Regicide and the Declaration of Independence,” Boston College Law School Legal Studies Research Paper No. 654, (July 23, 2025) 

 Sara Georgini, Household Gods: The Religious Lives of the Adams Family (2022) 

 Sara Georgini (series editor), Adams Papers Digital Edition, Massachusetts Historical Society 

 Karen Green (editor), The Correspondence of Catharine Macaulay (2019) 

 
Mercy Otis Warren Letter to Catharine Macaulay, August 24, 1775, Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History





Stay Connected and Learn More


 Questions or comments about the show? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@constitutioncenter.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

 Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr

 Explore the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠America at 250 Civic Toolkit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


 
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate

 Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen

 Join us for an upcoming ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠live program⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or watch recordings on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


 Support our important work


⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate</description>

The intellectual legacy of two women at the heart of revolutionary thought

As the Center marks the 250th anniversary of the nation, we’re taking a closer look at the people, events, and ideas that set the American Revolution in motion and ultimately led to the creation and adoption of the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution. This moment invites us to broaden the story of the founding by exploring not only the familiar figures we often study, but also the wider community of thinkers who helped shape the principles of our constitutional democracy. 

In this episode Mary Sarah Bilder of Boston College Law School and Sara Georgini of the Massachusetts Historical Society join the program to discuss two remarkable women central to 18th-century intellectual life whose ideas influenced many of the era’s most notable figures: Catharine Macaulay and Mercy Otis Warren. Julie Silverbrook, Chief Content and Learning Officer at the National Constitution Center, moderates.



Resources 


  Mary Sarah Bilder, Madison's Hand: Revising the Constitutional Convention (2017) 

  Mary Sarah Bilder, The Transatlantic Constitution: Colonial Legal Culture and the Empire (2008) 

  Mary Sarah Bilder, Female Genius: Eliza Harriot and George Washington at the Dawn of the Constitution (2022) 

  Mary Sarah Bilder, Hater of Kings: Catharine Macaulay’s Constitutional Regicide and the Declaration of Independence,” Boston College Law School Legal Studies Research Paper No. 654, (July 23, 2025) 

  Sara Georgini, Household Gods: The Religious Lives of the Adams Family (2022) 

  Sara Georgini (series editor), Adams Papers Digital Edition, Massachusetts Historical Society 

  Karen Green (editor), The Correspondence of Catharine Macaulay (2019) 

  
Mercy Otis Warren Letter to Catharine Macaulay, August 24, 1775, Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History





Stay Connected and Learn More


  Questions or comments about the show? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@constitutioncenter.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr

  Explore the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠America at 250 Civic Toolkit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


  
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate

  Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen

  Join us for an upcoming ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠live program⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or watch recordings on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


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The Revolutionary Lives of Catharine Macaulay and Mercy Otis Warren

On February 28, President Trump announced “major combat operations in Iran.” The operation, known as Epic Fury, has renewed a long-standing debate about the scope of presidential war powers and who decides when the nation goes to war. Last week, Congress rejected legislation that sought to require President Trump to obtain congressional approval for military actions against Iran. The Constitution divides war powers between Congress, which has the authority to declare war, and the president, who serves as Commander in Chief. 
In this episode, Harold Hongju Koh of Yale Law School and Michael D. Ramsey of San Diego Law School explore the constitutional foundations of war powers, as well as the War Powers Resolution of 1973, and how they inform the constitutional authority debates about the use of military force today. Julie Silverbrook, Chief Content and Learning Officer at the National Constitution Center, moderates. 
 
Resources  
<ul>
 <li>
<a href="https://constitutioncenter.org/the-constitution/articles/article-i/clauses/753">Article I, Section 8, Declare War Clause</a>, NCC’s Interactive Constitution  </li>
 <li>
<a href="https://constitutioncenter.org/the-constitution/articles/article-ii/clauses/345">Article II, Section 2, Commander in Chief Clause,</a> NCC’s Interactive Constitution  </li>
 <li>
<a href="https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R47603">War Powers Resolution</a>, congress.gov </li>
 <li>Michael D. Ramsey, “<a href="https://lawliberty.org/the-constitutions-check-on-warmaking/">The Constitution’s Check on Warmaking</a>,” Law &amp; Liberty, (January 27, 2026) </li>
 <li>Michael D. Ramsey, “<a href="https://chicagounbound.uchicago.edu/uclrev/vol69/iss4/1/">Textualism and War Powers</a>,” University of Chicago Law Review 69, no. 4 (2002)  </li>
 <li>Harold Hongju Koh, <a href="https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300253108/the-national-security-constitution-in-the-twenty-first-century/">The National Security Constitution: Sharing Power After the Iran-Contra Affair</a> (Second Edition, 2024)  </li>
 <li>Harold Hongju Koh, “<a href="https://doi.org/10.1017/aju.2017.72">Humanitarian Intervention: Time for Better Law</a>,” American Journal of International Law Unbound 111 (2017)  </li>
 <li>National Constitution Center, “<a href="https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/does-the-war-powers-resolution-debate-take-on-a-new-context-in-the-iran-conflict">Does the War Powers Resolution debate take on a new context in the Iran conflict?</a>,”Constitution Daily Blog, (March 3, 2026)  </li>
 <li>National Constitution Center, “<a href="https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/when-congress-once-used-its-powers-to-declare-war">When Congress last used its powers to declare war</a>,” Constitution Daily Blog, (December 8, 2018) </li>
 <li>
<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/24-1287_new_3135.pdf]">Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump</a> (2026) </li>
 <li>
<a href="https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/FSupp/752/1141/1588277/">Dellums v. Bush</a> (1990) </li>
 <li>
<a href="https://www.oyez.org/cases/1850-1900/67us635">Prize Cases</a> (1863) </li>
 <li>
<a href="https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/FSupp/752/509/1587681/">Ange v. Bush,</a> (D.D.C. 1990)</li>
</ul>
 
Stay Connected and Learn More
<ul>
 <li>Questions or comments about the show? Email us at <a href="mail%20to:%20podcast@constitutioncenter.org">⁠⁠⁠podcast@constitutioncenter.org⁠⁠⁠</a>⁠</li>
 <li>Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr</li>
 <li>Explore the <a href="https://constitutioncenter.org/america-at-250">⁠⁠⁠⁠America at 250 Civic Toolkit⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>
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 <li>
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 <li>Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen</li>
 <li>Join us for an upcoming <a href="https://constitutioncenter.org/news-debate/americas-town-hall-programs">⁠⁠⁠⁠live program⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> or watch recordings on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoAU4X6DUZSt5n6aI74Hw0A">⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>
</li>
 <li>Support our important work</li>
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<description>On February 28, President Trump announced “major combat operations in Iran.” The operation, known as Epic Fury, has renewed a long-standing debate about the scope of presidential war powers and who decides when the nation goes to war. Last week, Congress rejected legislation that sought to require President Trump to obtain congressional approval for military actions against Iran. The Constitution divides war powers between Congress, which has the authority to declare war, and the president, who serves as Commander in Chief. 

In this episode, Harold Hongju Koh of Yale Law School and Michael D. Ramsey of San Diego Law School explore the constitutional foundations of war powers, as well as the War Powers Resolution of 1973, and how they inform the constitutional authority debates about the use of military force today. Julie Silverbrook, Chief Content and Learning Officer at the National Constitution Center, moderates. 

 

Resources  


 
Article I, Section 8, Declare War Clause, NCC’s Interactive Constitution  

 
Article II, Section 2, Commander in Chief Clause, NCC’s Interactive Constitution  

 
War Powers Resolution, congress.gov 

 Michael D. Ramsey, “The Constitution’s Check on Warmaking,” Law &amp; Liberty, (January 27, 2026) 

 Michael D. Ramsey, “Textualism and War Powers,” University of Chicago Law Review 69, no. 4 (2002)  

 Harold Hongju Koh, The National Security Constitution: Sharing Power After the Iran-Contra Affair (Second Edition, 2024)  

 Harold Hongju Koh, “Humanitarian Intervention: Time for Better Law,” American Journal of International Law Unbound 111 (2017)  

 National Constitution Center, “Does the War Powers Resolution debate take on a new context in the Iran conflict?,”Constitution Daily Blog, (March 3, 2026)  

 National Constitution Center, “When Congress last used its powers to declare war,” Constitution Daily Blog, (December 8, 2018) 

 
Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump (2026) 

 
Dellums v. Bush (1990) 

 
Prize Cases (1863) 

 
Ange v. Bush, (D.D.C. 1990)




Stay Connected and Learn More


 Questions or comments about the show? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠podcast@constitutioncenter.org⁠⁠⁠⁠

 Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr

 Explore the ⁠⁠⁠⁠America at 250 Civic Toolkit⁠⁠⁠⁠


 
⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠ to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate

 Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen

 Join us for an upcoming ⁠⁠⁠⁠live program⁠⁠⁠⁠ or watch recordings on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠


 Support our important work


⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate</description>

Harold Koh and Michael Ramsey explore the constitutional debate over who decides when the nation uses military force

On February 28, President Trump announced “major combat operations in Iran.” The operation, known as Epic Fury, has renewed a long-standing debate about the scope of presidential war powers and who decides when the nation goes to war. Last week, Congress rejected legislation that sought to require President Trump to obtain congressional approval for military actions against Iran. The Constitution divides war powers between Congress, which has the authority to declare war, and the president, who serves as Commander in Chief. 

In this episode, Harold Hongju Koh of Yale Law School and Michael D. Ramsey of San Diego Law School explore the constitutional foundations of war powers, as well as the War Powers Resolution of 1973, and how they inform the constitutional authority debates about the use of military force today. Julie Silverbrook, Chief Content and Learning Officer at the National Constitution Center, moderates. 

 

Resources  


  
Article I, Section 8, Declare War Clause, NCC’s Interactive Constitution  

  
Article II, Section 2, Commander in Chief Clause, NCC’s Interactive Constitution  

  
War Powers Resolution, congress.gov 

  Michael D. Ramsey, “The Constitution’s Check on Warmaking,” Law & Liberty, (January 27, 2026) 

  Michael D. Ramsey, “Textualism and War Powers,” University of Chicago Law Review 69, no. 4 (2002)  

  Harold Hongju Koh, The National Security Constitution: Sharing Power After the Iran-Contra Affair (Second Edition, 2024)  

  Harold Hongju Koh, “Humanitarian Intervention: Time for Better Law,” American Journal of International Law Unbound 111 (2017)  

  National Constitution Center, “Does the War Powers Resolution debate take on a new context in the Iran conflict?,”Constitution Daily Blog, (March 3, 2026)  

  National Constitution Center, “When Congress last used its powers to declare war,” Constitution Daily Blog, (December 8, 2018) 

  
Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump (2026) 

  
Dellums v. Bush (1990) 

  
Prize Cases (1863) 

  
Ange v. Bush, (D.D.C. 1990)




Stay Connected and Learn More


  Questions or comments about the show? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠podcast@constitutioncenter.org⁠⁠⁠⁠

  Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr

  Explore the ⁠⁠⁠⁠America at 250 Civic Toolkit⁠⁠⁠⁠


  
⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠ to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate

  Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen

  Join us for an upcoming ⁠⁠⁠⁠live program⁠⁠⁠⁠ or watch recordings on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠


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What is the Constitutional Balance of War Powers Between Congress and the President?

In celebration of Women’s History month, we revisit a conversation that explores the life and legacy of women who have inspired Constitutional change throughout American history. Joining the conversation are Tomiko Brown-Nagin, author of Civil Rights Queen: Constance Baker Motley and the Struggle for Equality, and Elizabeth Cobbs, author of Fearless Women: Feminist Patriots from Abigail Adams to Beyoncé. Jeffrey Rosen, CEO Emeritus of the National Constitution Center, moderates. 
This conversation was originally streamed live as part of the NCC’s America’s Town Hall program series on April 25, 2023. 
 
Resources 
<ul>
 <li>Tomiko Brown-Nagin, <a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/563298/civil-rights-queen-by-tomiko-brown-nagin/">Civil Rights Queen: Constance Baker Motley and the Struggle for Equality</a> (2023) </li>
 <li>Tomiko Brown-Nagin, “<a href="https://columbialawreview.org/content/identity-matters-the-case-of-judge-constance-baker-motley/">Identity Matters: The Case of Judge Constance Baker Motley</a>,” Columbia Law Review (2017) </li>
 <li>Tomiko Brown-Nagin, <a href="https://global.oup.com/academic/product/courage-to-dissent-9780199932016?cc=us&amp;lang=en&amp;">Courage to Dissent: Atlanta and the Long History of the Civil Rights Movement</a> (2012) </li>
 <li>Elizabeth Cobbs, <a href="https://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?isbn=9780674258488">Fearless Women: Feminist Patriots from Abagail Adams to Beyoncé</a> (2023) </li>
 <li>Q&amp;A, “<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?526688-1/qa-elizabeth-cobbs">Elizabeth Cobbs</a>,” C-SPAN (March 14, 2023) </li>
 <li>
<a href="https://www.oyez.org/cases/1900-1940/208us412">Muller v. Oregon</a> (1908) </li>
 <li>National Constitution Center, “<a href="https://constitutioncenter.org/news-debate/podcasts/the-legality-of-abortion-pills">The Legality of Abortion Pills</a>,” We the People podcast (April 13, 2023) </li>
 <li>Brandon Burnette, "<a href="https://www.mtsu.edu/first-amendment/article/1038/comstock-act-of-1873">Comstock Act of 1873 (1873)</a>," First Amendment Encyclopedia </li>
 <li>National Constitution Center, “<a href="https://constitutioncenter.org/news-debate/americas-town-hall-programs/women-and-the-american-idea">Women and the American Idea</a>,” America’s Town Hall series (April 25, 2023)</li>
</ul>
 
Stay Connected and Learn More
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 <li>Questions or comments about the show? Email us at <a href="mail%20to:%20podcast@constitutioncenter.org">⁠⁠podcast@constitutioncenter.org⁠⁠</a>⁠</li>
 <li>Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr</li>
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 <li>Support our important work</li>
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<description>In celebration of Women’s History month, we revisit a conversation that explores the life and legacy of women who have inspired Constitutional change throughout American history. Joining the conversation are Tomiko Brown-Nagin, author of Civil Rights Queen: Constance Baker Motley and the Struggle for Equality, and Elizabeth Cobbs, author of Fearless Women: Feminist Patriots from Abigail Adams to Beyoncé. Jeffrey Rosen, CEO Emeritus of the National Constitution Center, moderates. 

This conversation was originally streamed live as part of the NCC’s America’s Town Hall program series on April 25, 2023. 

 

Resources 


 Tomiko Brown-Nagin, Civil Rights Queen: Constance Baker Motley and the Struggle for Equality (2023) 

 Tomiko Brown-Nagin, “Identity Matters: The Case of Judge Constance Baker Motley,” Columbia Law Review (2017) 

 Tomiko Brown-Nagin, Courage to Dissent: Atlanta and the Long History of the Civil Rights Movement (2012) 

 Elizabeth Cobbs, Fearless Women: Feminist Patriots from Abagail Adams to Beyoncé (2023) 

 Q&amp;A, “Elizabeth Cobbs,” C-SPAN (March 14, 2023) 

 
Muller v. Oregon (1908) 

 National Constitution Center, “The Legality of Abortion Pills,” We the People podcast (April 13, 2023) 

 Brandon Burnette, "Comstock Act of 1873 (1873)," First Amendment Encyclopedia 

 National Constitution Center, “Women and the American Idea,” America’s Town Hall series (April 25, 2023)




Stay Connected and Learn More


 Questions or comments about the show? Email us at ⁠⁠podcast@constitutioncenter.org⁠⁠⁠

 Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr

 Explore the ⁠⁠⁠America at 250 Civic Toolkit⁠⁠⁠


 
⁠⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠⁠ to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate

 Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen

 Join us for an upcoming ⁠⁠⁠live program⁠⁠⁠ or watch recordings on ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠


 Support our important work


⁠⁠⁠Donate</description>

Tomiko Brown-Nagin and Elizabeth Cobbs discuss key women who inspired constitutional change throughout American history

In celebration of Women’s History month, we revisit a conversation that explores the life and legacy of women who have inspired Constitutional change throughout American history. Joining the conversation are Tomiko Brown-Nagin, author of Civil Rights Queen: Constance Baker Motley and the Struggle for Equality, and Elizabeth Cobbs, author of Fearless Women: Feminist Patriots from Abigail Adams to Beyoncé. Jeffrey Rosen, CEO Emeritus of the National Constitution Center, moderates. 

This conversation was originally streamed live as part of the NCC’s America’s Town Hall program series on April 25, 2023. 

 

Resources 


  Tomiko Brown-Nagin, Civil Rights Queen: Constance Baker Motley and the Struggle for Equality (2023) 

  Tomiko Brown-Nagin, “Identity Matters: The Case of Judge Constance Baker Motley,” Columbia Law Review (2017) 

  Tomiko Brown-Nagin, Courage to Dissent: Atlanta and the Long History of the Civil Rights Movement (2012) 

  Elizabeth Cobbs, Fearless Women: Feminist Patriots from Abagail Adams to Beyoncé (2023) 

  Q&A, “Elizabeth Cobbs,” C-SPAN (March 14, 2023) 

  
Muller v. Oregon (1908) 

  National Constitution Center, “The Legality of Abortion Pills,” We the People podcast (April 13, 2023) 

  Brandon Burnette, "Comstock Act of 1873 (1873)," First Amendment Encyclopedia 

  National Constitution Center, “Women and the American Idea,” America’s Town Hall series (April 25, 2023)




Stay Connected and Learn More


  Questions or comments about the show? Email us at ⁠⁠podcast@constitutioncenter.org⁠⁠⁠

  Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr

  Explore the ⁠⁠⁠America at 250 Civic Toolkit⁠⁠⁠


  
⁠⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠⁠ to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate

  Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen

  Join us for an upcoming ⁠⁠⁠live program⁠⁠⁠ or watch recordings on ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠


  Support our important work


⁠⁠⁠Donate

NCC Revisited: Women and the American Idea

On February 20, the Supreme Court ruled that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, known as IEEPA, does not authorize President Trump’s sweeping tariffs. In Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, and the consolidated case, the Court held that the statute does not grant the President the power to impose tariffs under a declaration of economic emergency. 
In this episode, we explore what the Court held, why the Justices disagreed about the reasoning, and what this decision might tell us about the future of presidential emergency power. To help us explore these questions are two leading Court watchers and constitutional experts, Zachary Shemtob of SCOTUSblog and Ilya Somin of the George Mason University. Julie Silverbrook, vice president of civic education of the National Constitution Center, moderates. 
 
Resources 
<ul>
 <li>
<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/24-1287_new_3135.pdf]">Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump</a> (2026) </li>
 <li>“<a href="https://www.scotusblog.com/2026/02/supreme-court-strikes-down-tariffs/">Supreme Court strikes down tariffs</a>,” SCOTUSblog (2/20/2026) </li>
 <li>Ilya Somin, “<a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/02/tariffs-trump-supreme-court/686093/">How the Supreme Court Spared America</a>,” The Atlantic (2/21/2026) </li>
 <li>Ilya Somin, “<a href="https://thedispatch.com/article/supreme-court-tariffs-emergency-powers/?utm_source=S1t2U-3v4W5-x6Y7z-8A9B0&amp;utm_campaign=3950558&amp;utm_medium=copy_link">The Supreme Court Spurns a Presidential Power Grab</a>,” The Dispatch (2/23/2026) </li>
 <li>Ilya Somin, “<a href="https://ttps//www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/24/opinion/trump-tariffs-supreme-court-section-122/">Trump’s new tariffs are another dangerous presidential power grab</a>,” Boston Globe (2/24/2026) </li>
 <li>Ilya Somin, “<a href="https://thedispatch.com/article/not-everything-is-an-emergency/">Not Everything Is an Emergency</a>,” The Dispatch (1/31/2025) </li>
 <li>
“<a href="https://constitutioncenter.org/news-debate/podcasts/are-trumps-tariffs-lawful">Are Trump’s Tariffs Lawful?</a>,” We the People (11/06/2025) </li>
 <li>
<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/22pdf/22-506_nmip.pdf">Biden v. Nebraska</a> (2023) </li>
 <li>
<a href="https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/531/457/">Whitman v. American Trucking Associations, Inc.</a> (2001) </li>
 <li>
<a href="https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/453/654/">Dames &amp; Moore v. Regan</a> (1981) </li>
 <li>
<a href="https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/343/579/">Youngstown Sheet &amp; Tube Co. v. Sawyer</a> (1953) </li>
 <li>
<a href="https://www.casemine.com/judgement/us/5914c642add7b049347d9f1f">United States v. Yoshida International, Inc.</a> (CCPA, 1975) </li>
 <li>
<a href="https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/299/304/">United States v. Curtiss-Wright Export Corp.</a> (1936) </li>
 <li>
<a href="https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/295/495/">Schechter Poultry Corp. v. United States</a> (1935)</li>
</ul>
 
Stay Connected and Learn More
<ul>
 <li>Questions or comments about the show? Email us at <a href="mail%20to:%20podcast@constitutioncenter.org">⁠podcast@constitutioncenter.org⁠</a>⁠</li>
 <li>Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr</li>
 <li>Explore the <a href="https://constitutioncenter.org/america-at-250">⁠⁠America at 250 Civic Toolkit⁠⁠</a>
</li>
 <li>
<a href="http://bit.ly/constitutionweekly">⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠</a> to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate</li>
 <li>Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen</li>
 <li>Join us for an upcoming <a href="https://constitutioncenter.org/news-debate/americas-town-hall-programs">⁠⁠live program⁠⁠</a> or watch recordings on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoAU4X6DUZSt5n6aI74Hw0A">⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠</a>
</li>
 <li>Support our important work</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://constitutioncenter.org/donate">⁠⁠Donate</a>

<description>On February 20, the Supreme Court ruled that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, known as IEEPA, does not authorize President Trump’s sweeping tariffs. In Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, and the consolidated case, the Court held that the statute does not grant the President the power to impose tariffs under a declaration of economic emergency. 

In this episode, we explore what the Court held, why the Justices disagreed about the reasoning, and what this decision might tell us about the future of presidential emergency power. To help us explore these questions are two leading Court watchers and constitutional experts, Zachary Shemtob of SCOTUSblog and Ilya Somin of the George Mason University. Julie Silverbrook, vice president of civic education of the National Constitution Center, moderates. 



Resources 


 
Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump (2026) 

 “Supreme Court strikes down tariffs,” SCOTUSblog (2/20/2026) 

 Ilya Somin, “How the Supreme Court Spared America,” The Atlantic (2/21/2026) 

 Ilya Somin, “The Supreme Court Spurns a Presidential Power Grab,” The Dispatch (2/23/2026) 

 Ilya Somin, “Trump’s new tariffs are another dangerous presidential power grab,” Boston Globe (2/24/2026) 

 Ilya Somin, “Not Everything Is an Emergency,” The Dispatch (1/31/2025) 

 
“Are Trump’s Tariffs Lawful?,” We the People (11/06/2025) 

 
Biden v. Nebraska (2023) 

 
Whitman v. American Trucking Associations, Inc. (2001) 

 
Dames &amp; Moore v. Regan (1981) 

 
Youngstown Sheet &amp; Tube Co. v. Sawyer (1953) 

 
United States v. Yoshida International, Inc. (CCPA, 1975) 

 
United States v. Curtiss-Wright Export Corp. (1936) 

 
Schechter Poultry Corp. v. United States (1935)




Stay Connected and Learn More


 Questions or comments about the show? Email us at ⁠podcast@constitutioncenter.org⁠⁠

 Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr

 Explore the ⁠⁠America at 250 Civic Toolkit⁠⁠


 
⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠ to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate

 Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen

 Join us for an upcoming ⁠⁠live program⁠⁠ or watch recordings on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠


 Support our important work


⁠⁠Donate</description>

Unpacking the Supreme Court's Decision in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump

On February 20, the Supreme Court ruled that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, known as IEEPA, does not authorize President Trump’s sweeping tariffs. In Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, and the consolidated case, the Court held that the statute does not grant the President the power to impose tariffs under a declaration of economic emergency. 

In this episode, we explore what the Court held, why the Justices disagreed about the reasoning, and what this decision might tell us about the future of presidential emergency power. To help us explore these questions are two leading Court watchers and constitutional experts, Zachary Shemtob of SCOTUSblog and Ilya Somin of the George Mason University. Julie Silverbrook, vice president of civic education of the National Constitution Center, moderates. 



Resources 


  
Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump (2026) 

  “Supreme Court strikes down tariffs,” SCOTUSblog (2/20/2026) 

  Ilya Somin, “How the Supreme Court Spared America,” The Atlantic (2/21/2026) 

  Ilya Somin, “The Supreme Court Spurns a Presidential Power Grab,” The Dispatch (2/23/2026) 

  Ilya Somin, “Trump’s new tariffs are another dangerous presidential power grab,” Boston Globe (2/24/2026) 

  Ilya Somin, “Not Everything Is an Emergency,” The Dispatch (1/31/2025) 

  
“Are Trump’s Tariffs Lawful?,” We the People (11/06/2025) 

  
Biden v. Nebraska (2023) 

  
Whitman v. American Trucking Associations, Inc. (2001) 

  
Dames & Moore v. Regan (1981) 

  
Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. v. Sawyer (1953) 

  
United States v. Yoshida International, Inc. (CCPA, 1975) 

  
United States v. Curtiss-Wright Export Corp. (1936) 

  
Schechter Poultry Corp. v. United States (1935)




Stay Connected and Learn More


  Questions or comments about the show? Email us at ⁠podcast@constitutioncenter.org⁠⁠

  Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr

  Explore the ⁠⁠America at 250 Civic Toolkit⁠⁠


  
⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠ to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate

  Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen

  Join us for an upcoming ⁠⁠live program⁠⁠ or watch recordings on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠


  Support our important work


⁠⁠Donate

Supreme Court Rules Trump’s Tariffs Unlawful Under IEEPA

A weekly show of constitutional debate hosted by National Constitution Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen where listeners can hear the best arguments on all sides of the constitutional issues at the center of American life.

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