These lectures on the declaration was patrt of a series entitled "The American Revolution and the Founding of a New Nation," given Sunday, June 23, 2002 through Friday, June 28, 2002, at Ashland University, Ashland, Ohio. They are hosted on teachingamericanhistory.org, and the links will direct you to that site's files.

You will need Real Player to listen to these files.  A free download is available directly from real.com CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD (Note: make sure to select the "basic" player option when asked).

Session 8 with Professor Flannery. Topic: How to Read The Federalist

Focus: Why is it important to read The Federalist? What kind of a book is The Federalist? What is the audience of The Federalist? What does The Federalist try to accomplish? What is the structure of the argument of The Federalist? What is the place of "moderation" in Publius's argument? To what extent is the new constitution founded on "reflection and choice," to what extent on "accident and force"? (What are the defects of the Confederation, according to Publius? Why is there "an absolute necessity for an entire change in the first principles of the system"? How did the proposed union provide necessary protection against external and internal dangers? What is the "utility of the Union" according to The Federalist? What are the "objects" of the proposed Union, according to Publius?)

Click here to listen to session 8

Session 9 with Professor Flannery. Topic: The Federalist, continued

Focus: What "inducements to candor" and to the "spirit of moderation" does Publius present in Federalist 37-38? What are "the distinctive characters of the Republican form," according to Publius in Federalist 39? How is the proposed government both federal and national according to Publius in Federalist 39? How, in Federalist 40, does Publius answer the question of "how far the convention were authorized to propose such a government"? How, in Federalist 43, does Publius defend the Convention's proposal to supersede the Confederation "without the unanimous consent of the parties to it"? (Is there any place, any need, or any provision for civic virtue in The Federalist plan of government? What is the role of self-interest and passion as opposed to public-spirit and reason in The Federalist frame of government?)  

Click here to listen to session 9

Session 10 with Professor Lloyd. Topic: The Federalist, concluded

Focus: Does Madison reject or adhere to Montesquieu's understanding of the separation of powers? What is the Antifederalist critique of the structure and powers of the House? Do you find Madison's response persuasive? What does Madison mean by the "cool and deliberate sense of the community"? Is Hamilton convincing in his defense of a vigorous executive and an independent judiciary?

Click here to listen to session 10