Reflections on the American Constitution

Reflections on the American Constitution

Audio recording of a lecture given by tutor Grant Franks on September 18, 2026 as part of the Dean’s Lecture & Concert Series. The Dean’s Office has provided this description of the event: “Our country is now celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Everyone understands the urge to place special emphasis on anniversaries that are even multiples of ten, but July 4, 1776, was neither the beginning of the American revolution nor its end. Arguably a more important date in our nation’s history was September 17, 1787, two hundred thirty-nine years ago – sadly, a prime number! – when the Constitution under which our country still operates was signed in Philadelphia and submitted to the thirteen states for ratification. This lecture will inquire into the nature of a ‘constitution’ in general, describe some of the intellectual, historical, and political currents that shaped the document produced by the Constitutional Convention in the summer of 1787, ask which of its features have proved especially valuable, and discuss whether some other might profit from reconsideration or amendment.”

Santa Fe, NM

2026-09-18

Meem Library has been given permission to make this item available online.

sound

mp3

English

SF_FranksG_Reflections_on_the_American_Constitution_2026-09-18

M4A

00:55:27