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Jan 22, 2026 57 min

The Lost Founder: James Wilson

from We the People Hosted by National Constitution Center

This week, we explore the life of an influential and yet, often overlooked founder, James Wilson. Whose ideas and influence continue to shape current debates about popular sovereignty, constitutional structure, and democratic self-government. Legal scholar William Ewald of the University of Pennsylvania and Jesse Wegman of the Brennan Center for Justice join to discuss Wegman’s new book, The Lost Founder: James Wilson and the Forgotten Fight for a People’s Constitution, which explores the life and legacy of this founder and Supreme Court justice. Julie Silverbrook, vice president of civic education of the National Constitution Center, moderates. Resources Jesse Wegman, The Lost Founder: James Wilson and the Forgotten Fight for a People's Constitution Jesse Wegman, Let the People Pick the President: The Case for Abolishing the Electoral College Stay Connected and Learn More Questions or comments about the show? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected] ⁠⁠⁠ Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr Explore the ⁠⁠⁠America at 250 Civic Toolkit⁠⁠⁠ Explore ⁠⁠⁠Pursuit: The Founders’ Guide to Happiness⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠⁠ to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate Follow, rate, and review wherever you listen Join us for an upcoming ⁠⁠⁠live program⁠⁠⁠ or watch recordings on ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ Support our important work: ⁠⁠⁠Donate

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The Lost Founder: James Wilson

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This episode was published on January 22, 2026.

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