The Constitution Through U.S. History

Join us for a timely and engaging 10-week series, “The Constitution Through US History.” Free for all Owls Club members, this series is a chance to delve deeply into our nation’s foundational history.  Every participant will receive a small copy of The Constitution of the United States and The Declaration of Independence. Through pre-recorded lectures by renowned experts and group discussions, we will explore the enduring legacy of these pivotal documents.

Week One: America’s Founding Ideas
November 22, 11am
Uncover the roots of the American Revolution and the fundamental ideas and conflicts between America and England. Delve into English traditions that shaped American law and the rising tensions that sparked the revolutionary spirit.

Week Two: Failures of Early American Governments
November 29, 11am
Discover how the Articles of Confederation, America’s first governing document, struggled under economic, military, and diplomatic pressures, setting the stage for the creation of the Constitution.

Week Three: Dilemmas of the Constitutional Convention
Dec. 6, 11am
Join us in exploring the high-stakes debates and challenges at the Philadelphia Convention of 1787, a pivotal moment that transformed the governance of a young nation.

Week Four: The Ratification of the Constitution
Dec. 13, 11am
Learn about the crucial process of ratifying the Constitution. See how different states debated and eventually embraced this new blueprint for the federal government.

Week Five: The Bill of Rights as a Concession
Dec. 20, 11am
Dive into the story behind the Bill of Rights. Understand the fears of government tyranny that led to these essential amendments and the pivotal roles played by figures like James Madison.

Week Six: The Rise of Federal Power: Hamilton’s Bank
Dec. 27, 11am
Examine the early debates about the federal government’s size and power, focusing on Alexander Hamilton’s vision for a national bank and its role in shaping America’s economic policy.