David O. Stewart on The Democracy We Must Keep

Historian David O. Stewart joins to discuss his latest book, The Democracy We Must Keep, which examines the foundational ideas in nine key founding-era documents that shaped America's constitutional democracy. Stewart discusses how the founders sought to create a government strong enough to govern but constrained enough to protect liberty, the compromises and debates that shaped the Constitution, and the warnings about political parties and factionalism in Washington’s Farewell Address and Jefferson’s First Inaugural. Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer at the National Constitution Center, moderates. Resources David O. Stewart, The Democracy We Must Keep: Seven Founders, Nine Documents, and The Ideas That Shaped America, (2026) “The Fragility of Self-Government,” The Civic Decade (October 14, 2026) Interactive Constitution, National Constitution Center Interactive Declaration of Independence, National Constitution Center George Washington’s Farewell Address (1796), National Constitution Center Thomas Jefferson’s First Inaugural Address (1801), National Constitution Center Stay Connected and Learn More Stay connected with We the People—follow, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. Questions or comments? Email [email protected]. Follow @ConstitutionCtr on social media and sign up to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate. Support our important work by making a donation today. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate