Foundations of a Nation
To understand the foundations of America, we need to dig into the key texts and thinkers who have helped define our nation. On the "Foundations of a Nation" podcast Alex Tuckness, Chair of the Political Science Department at Iowa State University, talks with his friend, Barrett Randall, about the ideas that have shaped America. Season 1 looks at the Declaration of Independence."
Foundations of a Nation
Latest Episodes
Concluding the Declaration
Barrett and Alex conclude the first season talking about the conclusion of the Declaration and reflecting on the significance of the document and the risks taken by those who signed it. They hope these episodes will help people understand and a...
The Reasons for Independence
Barrett and Alex talk about the list of grievances that the colonists thought justified independence and the underlying political theory behind them.
The Declaration and when to have a Revolution
Barrett and Alex discuss the principles the Declaration of Independence gives for when it is appropriate to take up arms to defend liberty.
The Declaration and Consent
Barrett and Alex discuss the Declaration's claim that governments derive "their just powers from the consent of the governed." What does consent mean? Is it individual consent or the consent of the community? How does this differ from ear...
Rights and the Declaration
Barrett and Alex talk about rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and about what it means for rights to be "unalienable." They also talk about how this is not a complete list of rights and what the founders thought about the rig...