As we follow Washington politicos wrangle over tariffs and deportations, budget reductions and freedom of speech, we tend to boil the fights down to our new political divides: liberals versus conservatives, Democrats against Republicans, MAGA versus progressives.
But underlying the arguments is a tension as old as the Republic itself, between the states’ rights and individual liberties philosophy of Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton’s belief in a strong central government.
That tension shaped many pivotal moments in our history, from the struggle against slavery to the New Deal. As it continues to animate our debates today, Jeffrey Rosen’s new book, The Pursuit of Liberty: How Hamilton vs. Jefferson Ignited the Lasting Battle Over Power in America, is a must-read for those anxious to understand the roots and dynamics of our current politics.
One of America’s most distinguished legal scholars, Mr. Rosen joins us to discuss the opposing views of Jefferson and Hamilton, how these rival forces have influenced our country and how they continue to fuel the debates playing out in the highest offices of the land.
The president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, Rosen is also a law professor at George Washington University and a long-time commentator on legal affairs for The New Republic, The New Yorker and other major publications.
The program is presented in co-sponsorship with Temple Emanu-El’s Men’s Club.