HeyJaredThe American Idea
The American Idea explores America's Founding principles and their effect on American history and government.
- Indexed episodes, last 90 days
- 7
- Latest publication
- Sep 23, 2026
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- Earliest in this view
- Jul 15, 2026
Latest episodes
Was the Supreme Court Supposed to Have This Much Power? (opens the original)
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Typical civics and American Government courses teach that the Supreme Court has the final say in interpreting the Constitution - that is, determining its meaning and limits. Judicial Review, and other accepted powers of the court, are also taught as if the Founders built them that way. But what if that’s not the case? What if the court’s powers and norms are the current state of a centuries-long evolution, one that isn’t necessarily, or supposed to ever be, complete? Constitutional scholar Matth
The Last Adieu: Lafayette and Early America (opens the original)
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The Marquis de Lafayette came to America at age 19, on his own dime, to earn glory on the battlefield. He quickly became one of the Revolution’s greatest believers, and spent the rest of his life admiring the spirit and goals of the American Revolution and the republic it birthed. Author Ryan Cole joins us this week to discuss his book, The Last Adieu, which chronicles Lafayette’s tour of America 40 years after the Revolution. Visiting every state, and meeting with surviving veterans and leaders
Completing the Founding: The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 (opens the original)
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Written while the Constitutional Convention was taking place in 1787, the Northwest Ordinance was adopted fully by the new government, despite being a production of the Articles of Confederation. It also laid the foundation for many of the Founders’ priorities and aspirations in terms of governance, land usage, economics, and slavery. How would the new, expanding America look, and what would it be like? The Northwest Ordinance is an essential enabler for the America that came on the heals of the
Fact or Fiction? Historians Discuss Young Washington (opens the original)
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Young Washington purports to tell the story of George Washington’s early life, and the choices, situations, and actions that defined him as a young man, and in the eyes of his countrymen. But how accurate is it, and considering how many people seem to get their history from films, what should we know about this movie when thinking about the story it tells? Presidential historian Stephen Knott worked as an advisor for the movie, and sits down with Dr. Cara Rogers Stevens to discuss what’s fact, w
America's First Citizen: Character Lessons from George Washington (opens the original)
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First in war, first in peace, and traditionally first in the hearts of Americans - what can we learn from Washington, the man? What made him the person around whom history seemed to turn, and why is his character worth studying and, in many ways, emulating? Professor Stephen Knott, noted presidential historian, discusses Washington, the man, and three key moments in his life when his decisions and integrity shifted the arc of history. Read David Hackett Fischer’s book, recommended by Steve: http
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