Historian David O. Stewart joins to discuss his latest book, The Democracy We Must Keep, which examines the foundational ideas in nine key founding-era documents that shaped America's constitutional democracy. Stewart discusses how the founders sought to create a government strong enough to govern but constrained enough to protect liberty, the compromises and debates that shaped the Constitution, and the warnings about political parties and factionalism in Washington’s Farewell Address and Jefferson’s First Inaugural. Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer at the National Constitution Center, moderates.
Follow We the People, Live at the National Constitution Center, and Civic Parenting on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.
This episode was produced and mixed by Bill Pollock. With production support from Charles Sahm. Research was provided by Anna Salvatore and Tristan Worsham.
Participants
David O. Stewart is the author of five widely acclaimed books of American history, three bestselling historical mysteries, and two more historical novels. He is a popular speaker and recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award of the Washington Independent Review of Books. Stewart honed his storytelling skills as a trial and appellate lawyer and newspaper reporter.
Julie Silverbrook is chief content and learning officer at the National Constitution Center, where she leads the strategy, development, and delivery of the Center’s content, public programs, and educational initiatives, advancing its mission of nonpartisan constitutional education and civil dialogue. She oversees the creation of public-facing constitutional content and works to ensure the Center’s programs, scholarly engagement, and educational resources operate as a coordinated national strategy serving students, educators, families, and lifelong learners across the country.
Additional Resources
- David O. Stewart, The Democracy We Must Keep: Seven Founders, Nine Documents, and The Ideas That Shaped America, (2026)
- “The Fragility of Self-Government,” The Civic Decade (October 14, 2026)
- Interactive Constitution, National Constitution Center
- Interactive Declaration of Independence, National Constitution Center
- George Washington’s Farewell Address (1796), National Constitution Center
- Thomas Jefferson’s First Inaugural Address (1801), National Constitution Center
Stay Connected and Learn More
- Stay connected with We the People—follow, rate, and review the show wherever you listen.
- Questions or comments? Email [email protected].
- Follow @ConstitutionCtr on social media and sign up to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate.
- Support our important work by making a donation today.
