Constitution USA with Peter Sagal

Federal Judge Harvie Wilkinson discusses the concept of "activist judges" and why he believes both Constitutional originalists and those who back the idea of a "living constitution" have it wrong.

Yale professor Akhil Amar talks about Congressional gridlock. Did the framers have this in mind when they drafted the Constitution? Can gridlock be good?

Historian Rick Beeman shares some insight behind the creation of the office of U.S. President and explains why the role's duties are hardly touched upon at all in the Constitution.

Private Investigator Efrat Cohen explains why there really isn't any privacy anymore -- and what the government is legally allowed to do with information you publish online.

Historian Rick Beeman discusses the delicate balance between the federal government and state governments that the founders were trying to achieve. Which did the founders believe should have more power?

Yale Professor Akhil Amar tells us how important the 14th amendment is to us today - and gives us a little history behind its creation.

Harvard Professor Jody Freeman explains why she believes it's sometimes necessary to rely on the power of the federal government - especially when it pertains to environmental law and federal efficiency standards.

New York Times Editor Bill Keller explains why he loves the first amendment -- and why he believes it's a gift, not only to writers, but to readers as well.

Lawyers Ted Olson & David Boies explain why they're arguing for the right for same-sex couples to marry. They say the 14th amendment's equal protection clause awards equal rights for all citizens, regardless of sexual preference.

Steve DeAngelo, director of Harborside Health Center - a medical marijuana dispensary - expresses his beliefs that states should have the power to create and enforce their own laws without interference from the federal government.

Yale Professor Akhil Amar talks about rights. Have we gone too far in claiming rights not enumerated in the Constitution? Or have we simply been following in the spirit of the document?

Stanford Professor Robert George believes there is no constitutional mandate that would allow same-sex marriage to be legalized. He also shares his belief that the Supreme Court should not decide controversial issues that are not explicitly outlined in the Constitution. Instead, he thinks that should be left up to legislators or to the popular vote.