Here's Where It Gets Interesting: America’s Constitution with Akhil Reed Amar - Part 1

Released on August 4, 2025

Introduction

In the premiere episode of "Here's Where It Gets Interesting," host Sharon McMahon sits down with renowned constitutional scholar Akhil Reed Amar to delve into the enduring significance of the United States Constitution. This engaging conversation explores the foundational document's role in uniting a diverse nation, the importance of constitutional literacy, and the challenges of amending the Constitution in today's polarized political landscape.

Akhil Reed Amar's Background

Akhil Reed Amar introduces himself as a first-generation American, born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to immigrant parents from India. As a professor of constitutional law at Yale University, Amar specializes in American Constitution, history, and contemporary constitutional issues.

"I teach about basically America, the American Constitution in particular, American history. But I also cover contemporary events, modern day events that have constitutional significance."
— Akhil Reed Amar [02:48]

The Importance of the Constitution as a Common Narrative

Amar emphasizes that despite America's vast diversity in race, religion, language, and geography, the Constitution serves as a unifying narrative that binds citizens together. He highlights how foundational figures and documents, such as Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence, create a shared heritage.

"What we have in common as Americans is our Constitution, our institutions like the presidency, House and Senate... our national history, our narrative."
— Akhil Reed Amar [04:24]

What Americans Should Know About the Constitution

When asked what he wishes more Americans understood about the nation's founding, Amar passionately advocates for constitutional literacy. He encourages Americans to read the Constitution and his own works to grasp its complexities and the significance of amendments.

"We, the people of the United States, do ordain and establish this Constitution. So just take a step back. They're actually voting on the thing, which is stunning."
— Akhil Reed Amar [06:29]

Amar underscores the historic nature of the Constitution being a document voted on by the people, a concept unprecedented at the time of its drafting.

The Amendment Process and Its Significance

Amar discusses the vital role of amendments in the Constitution, portraying them as corrective measures that address the nation's evolving values and rectify the founders' shortcomings.

"The amendments in part are about making amends for some of their mistakes."
— Akhil Reed Amar [25:00]

He highlights key amendments, such as the 13th (abolishing slavery), 14th (ensuring equal protection under the law), and 19th (granting women's suffrage), illustrating how each has expanded liberty and equality in the United States.

Constitutional Conventions and Potential Rewriting

The conversation shifts to the contemporary movement advocating for Constitutional Conventions to amend the Constitution. Amar expresses caution, noting the deep political divisions that could hinder meaningful reform.

"We're deeply divided and the Constitution shouldn't be amended unless there's a kind of a consensus about which way we should go."
— Akhil Reed Amar [30:37]

He compares the potential risks of a Constitutional Convention to the historical difficulty of amending the Constitution, suggesting that without broad agreement, such efforts could backfire.

Term Limits for Congress

Amar engages in a nuanced discussion about the proposal to impose term limits on members of Congress. He presents both sides of the argument, acknowledging concerns that term limits could inadvertently strengthen the presidency and bureaucratic institutions while also addressing the entrenchment of career politicians.

"It's going to increase the power of the presidency... lifetime politicians... they're going to actually just move around."
— Akhil Reed Amar [32:36]

He also highlights the collective action problem where voters may dislike Congress but feel powerless to enact change without mechanisms like term limits.

The Importance of Relationships in Congress

Drawing from personal experiences, Amar illustrates how long-standing relationships among lawmakers can foster bipartisan cooperation and effective governance. He reminisces about the camaraderie between Senators Ted Kennedy and Orrin Hatch as an example of genuine friendship transcending political divides.

"Ted Kennedy would tell you, my friend Orrin Hatch actually cared about me as a human being."
— Akhil Reed Amar [35:43]

Amar laments the current erosion of these relationships, attributing it to increased polarization and the transient nature of congressional tenures.

Polarization and Its Impact on Constitutional Understanding

Amar stresses that the lack of meaningful dialogue and mutual respect among political factions undermines the shared understanding of the Constitution. He advocates for increased connectivity and empathy to restore the collaborative spirit necessary for effective governance.

"We need more connective tissue, red folks and blue folks working together."
— Akhil Reed Amar [37:08]

He ties this need for unity back to the Constitution, asserting that without a common constitutional framework, societal cohesion is at risk.

Conclusion

Sharon McMahon wraps up the episode by teasing future discussions on Supreme Court cases and constitutional theories, promising a continuation of the insightful dialogue with Akhil Reed Amar.

"Our conversation with Akhil Reed Amar continues... We'll discuss a Supreme Court case, Moore vs Harper, and the concept of independent state legislature theory."
— Sharon McMahon [38:35]

Key Takeaways

• Constitution as Unity: The Constitution serves as a unifying narrative across America's diverse population.

• Importance of Literacy: Understanding the Constitution and its amendments empowers citizens to engage meaningfully in governance.

• Amendment Process: Amendments are crucial for addressing the Constitution's shortcomings and reflecting societal progress.

• Caution on Rewriting: Proposals to rewrite the Constitution require broad consensus to avoid unintended consequences.

• Term Limits Debate: Imposing term limits on Congress has both potential benefits and drawbacks, affecting the balance of power.

• Role of Relationships: Strong interpersonal relationships among lawmakers are essential for bipartisan cooperation.

• Combating Polarization: Restoring dialogue and mutual respect is vital for upholding the Constitution and societal cohesion.

Notable Quotes

• "You can't change what you don't understand."
  — Akhil Reed Amar [09:18]

• "If you read one of my books, fellow citizens, you'll actually know half as much as I currently do."
  — Akhil Reed Amar [09:49]

• "We, the people... are voting on the Constitution, which is stunning."
  — Akhil Reed Amar [06:29]

• "We need to listen to each other better."
  — Akhil Reed Amar [37:08]

This episode provides a comprehensive exploration of the U.S. Constitution's foundational role, the significance of its amendments, and the contemporary challenges in maintaining its relevance and effectiveness. Akhil Reed Amar's insights underscore the necessity of constitutional understanding and collaborative governance in preserving the nation's democratic ideals.