Ep. 14: The SPA's Constitutional Critique

Lucas and Luke discuss the history of the Socialist Party of America (SPA), including its constitutional critique during the Progressive Era. They also discuss the significance of the SPA’s clear and consistent definition of democracy in its platforms, the more extensive constitutional critique during the Progressive Era, and the “marooning” of constitutional critique during the 20th century. Resources: Aziz Rana, The Constitutional Bind, Chapters three and four. Fawn McKay Brodie, Thaddeus Stevens: Scourge of the South. Kirk Porter, National Party Platforms (1840 - 1956). Gil Schaeffer, “Marxism Is Democratic Republicanism: The History of the Struggle for Equal Human and Political Rights From the Inside Out.” Eugene Debs, “Why We Have Outgrown the US Constitution.” ISO, “Where We Stand.”