The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast

Hillsdale College
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Aug 20, 2025 • 32min

The Federalist: The Courts and the Bill of Rights

On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the role that the judiciary plays in our republic before introducing Dr. Ronald J. Pestritto. In a republic, every citizen has a duty to understand their government. The Federalist is the greatest exposition of representative government and the institutional structure of the Constitution. It explains how the Constitution established a government strong enough to secure the rights of citizens and safe enough to wield that power. This course will examine how Publius understood human nature and good government, and why he argued that the only true safeguard of liberty lies in the vigilance of the American people. The courts must be independent to decide particular cases without undue influence. The separation of powers is a safeguard against tyranny, but the security of a republic lies in the vigilance of the people.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Aug 13, 2025 • 28min

The Federalist: The President

On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the nature of executive power before introducing Dr. Ronald J. Pestritto. In a republic, every citizen has a duty to understand their government. The Federalist is the greatest exposition of representative government and the institutional structure of the Constitution. It explains how the Constitution established a government strong enough to secure the rights of citizens and safe enough to wield that power. This course will examine how Publius understood human nature and good government, and why he argued that the only true safeguard of liberty lies in the vigilance of the American people. The executive requires energy, efficiency, and dispatch to enforce the laws that are passed by the legislature.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Aug 6, 2025 • 35min

The Federalist: The Senate

On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the role that the Senate used to play in our republic before introducing Dr. Ronald J. Pestritto. In a republic, every citizen has a duty to understand their government. The Federalist is the greatest exposition of representative government and the institutional structure of the Constitution. It explains how the Constitution established a government strong enough to secure the rights of citizens and safe enough to wield that power. This course will examine how Publius understood human nature and good government, and why he argued that the only true safeguard of liberty lies in the vigilance of the American people. The Senate provides stability to the government and accountability for the far-reaching effects of laws, which contribute to our national character in the eyes of foreign nations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Jul 30, 2025 • 30min

The Federalist: Why the Articles of Confederation Failed

On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the role that the House of Representative plays in our republic before introducing Dr. Ronald J. Pestritto. In a republic, every citizen has a duty to understand their government. The Federalist is the greatest exposition of representative government and the institutional structure of the Constitution. It explains how the Constitution established a government strong enough to secure the rights of citizens and safe enough to wield that power. This course will examine how Publius understood human nature and good government, and why he argued that the only true safeguard of liberty lies in the vigilance of the American people. The House of Representatives provides direct accountability to the people in the legislature.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Jul 23, 2025 • 28min

The Federalist: The House of Representatives

On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the role that the House of Representative plays in our republic before introducing Dr. Ronald J. Pestritto. In a republic, every citizen has a duty to understand their government. The Federalist is the greatest exposition of representative government and the institutional structure of the Constitution. It explains how the Constitution established a government strong enough to secure the rights of citizens and safe enough to wield that power. This course will examine how Publius understood human nature and good government, and why he argued that the only true safeguard of liberty lies in the vigilance of the American people. The House of Representatives provides direct accountability to the people in the legislature.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Jul 16, 2025 • 34min

The Federalist: Human Nature in The Federalist

On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss Publius' understanding of human nature before introducing Dr. Ronald J. Pestritto. In a republic, every citizen has a duty to understand their government. The Federalist is the greatest exposition of representative government and the institutional structure of the Constitution. It explains how the Constitution established a government strong enough to secure the rights of citizens and safe enough to wield that power. This course will examine how Publius understood human nature and good government, and why he argued that the only true safeguard of liberty lies in the vigilance of the American people. Publius recognizes that men are neither angels nor beasts. Man is “ambitious, vindictive, and rapacious,” but also is capable of sufficient virtue to make republican government possible.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Jul 9, 2025 • 32min

The Federalist: The Problem of Majority Faction

On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the inevitability of factions before introducing Dr. Ronald J. Pestritto. In a republic, every citizen has a duty to understand their government. The Federalist is the greatest exposition of representative government and the institutional structure of the Constitution. It explains how the Constitution established a government strong enough to secure the rights of citizens and safe enough to wield that power. This course will examine how Publius understood human nature and good government, and why he argued that the only true safeguard of liberty lies in the vigilance of the American people. A faction is any group that pursues an interest opposed to the rights of citizens or the interest of the community. The causes of faction are sown into man’s nature. The extended republic and representation help prevent majority factions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Jul 2, 2025 • 27min

The Federalist: The Extended Republic

On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the Federalist's arguments against the Anti-Federalists before introducing Dr. Ronald J. Pestritto. In a republic, every citizen has a duty to understand their government. The Federalist is the greatest exposition of representative government and the institutional structure of the Constitution. It explains how the Constitution established a government strong enough to secure the rights of citizens and safe enough to wield that power. This course will examine how Publius understood human nature and good government, and why he argued that the only true safeguard of liberty lies in the vigilance of the American people. Publius argues that the Constitution incorporates many improvements to the science of politics, including a larger territory from which to draw the best talents.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Jun 25, 2025 • 40min

The Federalist: The Anti-Federalists

On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the arguments of the Anti-Federalists before introducing Dr. Ronald J. Pestritto. In a republic, every citizen has a duty to understand their government. The Federalist is the greatest exposition of representative government and the institutional structure of the Constitution. It explains how the Constitution established a government strong enough to secure the rights of citizens and safe enough to wield that power. This course will examine how Publius understood human nature and good government, and why he argued that the only true safeguard of liberty lies in the vigilance of the American people. The Anti-Federalists opposed ratification of the Constitution because they feared a large, centralized government. They lost the immediate debate but succeeded in securing a Bill of Rights.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Jun 18, 2025 • 33min

The Federalist: Publius and The Federalist

RJ Pastrito, politics professor and dean who holds the Shipley Chair in the American Constitution. He outlines why The Federalist matters, links the founders to classical thought, and explains Publius, the pen name. Short takes cover republican vs. democratic principles, the text’s twin aims of ratification and teaching, and why citizen education is vital.

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