Podcast Summary: Celebrating Constitution Day

Podcast: Hillsdale College K-12 Classical Education Podcast
Host: Scott Bertram
Guest: Zach Dombrowski, Upper School History Teacher at Golden View Classical Academy and Hillsdale K-12 Master Teacher
Date: September 8, 2025
Duration: 20 minutes

Overview

This episode, hosted by Scott Bertram, explores the enduring significance of Constitution Day in American education. Guest Zach Dombrowski discusses the importance of this foundational holiday, its relevance in classical education, practical approaches for teaching about the Constitution across grade levels, and the philosophical connection between the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. The conversation provides insight into how classical education shapes responsible citizens through engagement with primary American documents and thoughtful classroom activities.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Enduring Relevance of Constitution Day

[02:03 – 04:21]

• Constitution Day is mandated in federally funded schools but, more importantly, serves as a vital opportunity to recognize and celebrate the foundational framework of the U.S. government.
• The Constitution ensured the aspirations of the Declaration of Independence became a practical regime, "the most aligned with human nature," fostering unmatched human flourishing and security.
• “Republics are necessarily fragile things, and yet here we are, we’re living in a level of material prosperity, industrial military might, a level of personal and national security that nobody else in all of human history has ever enjoyed. And all of that can be traced back to this foundational document of the Constitution.” (Zach Dombrowski, 02:34)

Classical Education’s Mission and Constitution Day

[04:21 – 06:23]

• Classical schools focus on shaping students’ moral character, responsibility, and justice.
• “Knowledge is the basis of public happiness.” – George Washington, cited as a guiding quote for classical education.
• The holiday is a chance to connect civic responsibility and decision-making back to the enduring framework provided by the Constitution.

Practical Strategies for Teaching Constitution Day

[06:23 – 08:41]

• Integrate Constitution Day themes with existing curriculum instead of treating it as an interruption.
  • Example: In 3rd grade, tie Constitution concepts to the study of Rome, discussing inspiration from the Roman Republic.
  • At the high school level, introduce key primary texts (Frederick Douglass, Madison’s "On Property," Paine's "Common Sense") to discuss philosophical underpinnings.
• Use familiar stories and figures to connect constitutional principles to students’ lives.

Differentiating Approaches Across K-12 Grade Levels

[08:41 – 12:16]

• Adjust the complexity based on students’ age and understanding.
  • 6th Grade: Focus on core articles, vocabulary, and real-life application.
  • Middle School: Frame the Constitution as a response to tyranny and mob rule; encourage debate and contention.
  • High School: Use Frederick Douglass vs. Garrison to show constitutional interpretation differences; foster thoughtful seminars on opposing perspectives.
• “A lesson that presents an accomplishable challenge will best keep students engaged … Differentiating then what you ask of the student here needs to be with respect to what is achievable at their level.” (Zach Dombrowski, 08:54)

Common Student Questions on the Constitution

[12:16 – 14:23]

• Students frequently question slavery and the Constitution’s role in it.
• Discussing the "three-fifths clause" and its impact on Union and representation is complex but essential for a deeper understanding.
• “The founding Fathers took this issue and the need for unity incredibly serious and … this document has within it a spirit of both compromise, but also upholding human dignity and liberty.” (Zach Dombrowski, 13:55)

Recommended Resources for Teaching and Learning

[14:23 – 17:19]

• Hillsdale’s free online courses, especially Dr. Larry Arnn’s Introduction to the Constitution, and follow-up courses.
• The recommended book: The Founder’s Key.
• Primary sources: The Federalist Papers, especially Federalist 10 and 51 by James Madison.
• The interconnectedness of history, philosophy, and civic engagement is emphasized in these resources.
• “Dr. Arn also dives very deep into the philosophical roots of the founding and the framing ... My wife and I have sat down on a number of occasions with the kids … and we've watched a number of them and really enjoy them.” (Zach Dombrowski, 15:30)

The Declaration of Independence & The Constitution: Philosophical Connection

[17:20 – 19:58]

• The Declaration is presented as stating universal, transcendental truths (“self-evident,” “created equal,” “unalienable rights”).
• The Constitution is described as the practical fulfillment of those ideals, translating philosophical principles into a functioning regime.
• “The Declaration has … this language right. It captures both our hearts and our imaginations. … The Constitution … can serve as a bookend, as the final cause of the origin of our regime.” (Zach Dombrowski, 17:45)
• The two form the foundational story of the U.S.: philosophical (Declaration) and institutional (Constitution).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Constitution’s Uniqueness:
  “In its moment, it is incredibly unique and it aims to the highest levels of human achievement.” (Zach Dombrowski, 02:59)

• On Education and Virtue:
  “To act with justice in all things should be the aim of our students, of responsible citizens.” (Zach Dombrowski, 04:46)

• On the Challenge of Teaching the Constitution:
  “We have a tendency possibly to say we have to teach the entirety of the Constitution. And I think that’s probably an unreal ask for a lot of the classroom teachers.” (Zach Dombrowski, 09:35)

• On Critical Classroom Questions:
  “It takes more time than you expect to explain the three fifths clause. ... That’s a very complex one that is worth sitting with.” (Zach Dombrowski, 13:23)

• On the Declaration and Constitution Together:
  “Together, these two documents kind of form the foundational story of the United States from this philosophical and law instituting framework.” (Zach Dombrowski, 19:20)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Introduction & Guest Intro: 01:06–02:02
• Why Constitution Day Matters: 02:03–04:21
• Classical Schools’ Approach: 04:21–06:23
• Teaching Strategies: 06:23–08:41
• Adapting for Grade Levels: 08:41–12:16
• Common Student Questions: 12:16–14:23
• Resources & Recommendations: 14:23–17:19
• Declaration vs. Constitution: 17:19–19:58

Conclusion

This episode underscores the enduring importance of Constitution Day as both an opportunity and a responsibility for teachers and students in classical schools. By situating the Constitution in its historical context, integrating it thoughtfully into curricula, and encouraging deep, age-appropriate engagement, educators can cultivate informed, thoughtful, and virtuous citizens. The episode closes with gratitude for America’s foundational documents and a hope that the conversation around them continues for generations to come.