Foundation of American Polity

Ray Raphael talked about his book Founders: The People Who Brought You a Nation (New Press; May 12, 2009). He uses the stories of seven people who had diverse objectives during the American Revolution, such as developing the West, unrestricted trade, local democracy, an extended franchise, and republican virtue. He argues that together they created an independent nation with a polity in which diverse interests can compete freely in the public arena. Mr. Raphael talked about the role of the Magna Carta and the U.S. Constitution in both history and in civics and about the teaching of civics. He responded to questions from members of the audience.

“Taking Power: How the Founders, All of Them, Redefined the Polity” was part of the Special Evening Lectures: Exploring the Issues of Power, Rights, & Individual Freedoms held at 6:30 p.m. in the Nichols Dining Room of Fraunces Tavern Museum in conjunction with the special museum exhibition “Magna Carta and the Foundations of Freedom.” close