Montesquieu and the Constitution

Described in The Federalist as “the celebrated Montesquieu,” Charles de Montesquieu was cited more often than any other author from 1760-1800. In what ways did his writings and ideas help shape the U.S. Constitution and the structure of American government? Join William B. Allen of Michigan State University, Thomas Pangle of the University of Texas at Austin, Dennis Rasmussen of Syracuse University, and Diana Schaub of the American Enterprise Institute, for a discussion on the political thought of Montesquieu and his influence on American democracy. Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, moderates.
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[@bumpkinskill]

Great panel. Great discussion.

[@georgej.haddad3320]

The Enlightenment redux……..bravo! Proof that our democracy is a work in progress and a complex journey in how to countermand our human nature to let or want power dominate without moderation. Proof also that participating in any democracy requires continuous and extensive education and critical thinking. Understanding the founding debate is the prelude to evolving that debate and our democracy. No theories or propositions can remain static. They must evolve, while focused on a singular premise of the separation of power and authority in a multi-faction Ed/pluralistic society possesses of disparate self-interests. The unifying principles are common virtue and moderation/compromise. When these cease to exist or are ignored, societies, democratic societies in particular, will devolve into the tyranny of the most powerful.

[@TheSteinmetzen]

I would vote for William Allen if he ran as a Republican or a Democrat. Are there any other videos that include him?

[@MartinLopez-mo7tm]

One question is why the Founders would even consider a French philosopher as the primary reference of the Constitution. It could not happen today.

[@olanskidaboi5753]

zoo we mama