Blog Post

What the Founders thought about mob violence

March 22, 2021 | by Jeffrey Rosen

National Constitution Center president and CEO Jeffrey Rosen says the Founders would have been appalled by the attack on the Capitol but not surprised. Their reading of classical history and moral philosophy led them to fear the precise scenario that transpired on January 6.

To read Rosen’s story in The Atlantic, click here:

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/03/whole-point-was-avoid-mob-violence/618312/

This story is part of the project “The Battle for the Constitution,” in partnership with The Atlantic.

More from the National Constitution Center
Constitution 101

Explore our new 15-unit core curriculum with educational videos, primary texts, and more.

Media Library

Search and browse videos, podcasts, and blog posts on constitutional topics.

Founders’ Library

Discover primary texts and historical documents that span American history and have shaped the American constitutional tradition.

Constitution Daily Blog