How to Live the Constitution: AJ Jacobs' Ultimate Guide to America's Founding Document

A Note from James:
"The Year of Living Constitutionally." I mentioned this episode last week during our discussion with AJ Jacobs, but here we delve into his book, "The Year of Living Constitutionally." AJ not only researched and wrote about the Constitution, but he also spent a year living as if it were 1790, adhering to the U.S. Constitution literally. He even carried a musket and applied to be a pirate in Congress, referencing Article One, which grants Congress the power to commission pirates.
The book is filled with facts, debates, and information about the newfound powers of the Supreme Court, Congress, and the President, as well as the pros and cons of states' rights versus federal rights. It covers the reasons behind various amendments and the ongoing debates about the Electoral College.
AJ not only researched this; he lived it. I discussed his unique method of immersing himself in his subjects on last week's podcast, a method that has proven successful in creating bestsellers. With his humor, talent, and depth of information, AJ brings a fresh perspective to the U.S. Constitution in "The Year of Living Constitutionally: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Constitution's Original Meaning."
And here's my good friend, AJ Jacobs.
Episode Description:
In this compelling episode of 'The James Altucher Show', James sits down with the endlessly curious and ever-experimenting AJ Jacobs, the author behind the intriguing ‘The Year of Living Constitutionally’. Delving into AJ’s unique journey of trying to live by the U.S. Constitution's original tenets, this conversation unfolds a treasure trove of insights, historical quirks, and the profound impact of such an experiment on one’s understanding of democracy and personal freedoms today.
James and AJ unpack the myriad lessons learned from this year-long adventure, touching upon the original intent behind the Constitution’s creation, the contemporary relevance of its mandates, and the often humorous, sometimes bizarre challenges of adhering to its original rules in the modern world. From carrying a musket in New York City to applying to become a legal pirate, AJ’s experiences provide a unique lens through which we explore the founding document of the United States.
Beyond the historical anecdotes and constitutional debates, this episode shines a light on the dynamic interplay between law, personal belief, and the evolving landscape of American democracy. James and AJ's dialogue ventures into the complexities of freedom of speech, the implications of the Electoral College, and the changing powers of the presidency, offering listeners a nuanced perspective on what the Constitution means in today’s context.
More than just a discussion, this episode is an invitation to reflect on the living spirit of the Constitution, encouraging us to consider how its foundational principles influence our lives and society at large.
Episode Summary:
00:00 Diving Into the Year of Living Constitutionally
01:11 AJ Jacobs' Unique Method of Experiencing History
02:56 Exploring the Original Meaning of the U.S. Constitution
07:09 The Surprising Realities of Early American Laws
15:26 The Evolution of Free Speech in America
21:11 The Supreme Court's Role and the 14th Amendment
23:37 The Growing Power of the Presidency
24:21 Historical Debates and the Idea of Multiple Presidents
26:04 The Evolution of Presidential Powers
29:54 The Founders' Flexibility and the Constitution's Compromises
37:49 The Challenges of Federal Regulation and Overregulation
42:02 Reforming the Constitution for Modern Times
45:42 AJ Jacobs on Writing and Future Projects
Additional Resources
• AJ Jacobs: ajjacobs.com/
• The Year of Living Biblically (www.amazon.com/Year-Living-Bi...) by AJ Jacobs
• The Year of Living Constitutionally (#) (Link will be added once available)
• Federalist Papers (www.congress.gov/resources/di...) - Authored by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison
• James Altucher (jamesaltucher.com/)
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