Lectures For Lifelong Learners!

This talk will review the five most contentious presidential elections in American history: 1800, 1824, 1876, 2000, and 2020.  It will explore related issues such as how we elect presidents, how controversies in elections tend to arise, how they get resolved, and their impact on future elections. This topic is especially pertinent in our current political era, since our elections are often close, and the nation is sharply divided. Note: This lecture is 1 hour and 15 minutes, including time for a Q&A.

This talk will address the role and importance of the Supreme Court in American history through the lens of six landmark cases that developed the meaning of the Constitution, for good or for ill. From well-known cases like Brown v. Board of Education, to lesser-known ones like U.S. v. Carolene Products, the topic should leave listeners better informed about the development of American constitutional law.

This lecture reviews the service and legacies of the eight Jewish justices of the U.S. Supreme Court, from the iconic justices Louis Brandeis, Benjamin Cardozo, Felix Frankfurter, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, to the comparatively lesser-known Arthur Goldberg and Abe Fortas. The lecture concludes with the most recent Jewish justices to serve, Stephen Breyer and Elena Kagan.

This lecture will look at presidential impeachments from a constitutional and historical perspective. What do presidential impeachments seek to accomplish? Can we expect more of them in the future? Why do impeachments tend to happen? What do the five presidential impeachments in history have in common, and how is each one unique?

This lecture will explore the constitutional vision of five American Founding Fathers, and how those visions came into conflict after the Republic was created: Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson. While each Founder contributed to the creation of America, they also had strong disagreements about the nature of our constitutional union.

A look at the 10 most significant documents in American political history, with an assessment of their meaning and impact on shaping our nation. Includes discussion of the Bill Of Rights, Constitution, Louisiana Purchase, and more. This talk is perfect for audiences looking for a refresher in America’s civic history.

An examination of why political parties formed in America, how the parties have developed, how they came to dominate our politics, and why only two major parties compete for power in U.S. elections. The talk will look at the current partisan divide, the gridlock this causes in government, and prospects for the future.

An overview of significant Supreme Court cases that will soon be decided, and what they will likely mean for American law and government. The talk will also address some recently decided cases of importance to the law—beyond the news headlines and talking points of politicians.

A look at the major values embedded in the U.S. Constitution, and what they mean for the American people. These remarks are often a part of celebrations/holidays, but they are perfect for any audience looking for a refresher in basic constitutional principles.

A reflection on American slavery and the movement to end it, including Abraham Lincoln’s evolution on the issue and his presidential leadership. The talk will also highlight the significance of the Emancipation Proclamation, the Thirteenth Amendment, and how these things are commemorated in America’s newest federal holiday, Juneteenth.

This lecture reviews the origin and history of military veterans commemorations in the United States. The focus is mainly on how we came to celebrate Veterans Day each November, and it shares how Americans celebrate the day (parades, etc.) throughout the United States.

The lecture reviews how the Constitution balances power in the American federal government, with coverage of the enduring controversies that arise among the branches of government.