Jay Cost is a visiting fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and the Center for Faith and Freedom at Grove City College.
Constitutionally Speaking
Jay Cost and Luke Thompson make the case that all Americans should study the Constitution.
Episode 23: 1789
Jay and Luke examine the first session of the First Congress, which met from the spring through the fall of 1789.
In this episode of Constitutionally Speaking, Jay and Luke examine the first session of the First Congress, which met from the spring through the fall of 1789. One of the most productive legislative assemblies in American history, this session submitted the Bill of Rights to the states, created the first national tax, established the major cabinet departments, and began to set up the judiciary. At this early stage of the government, James Madison emerged as the key agent in Congress. While there is a broad consensus in favor of Federalism at this point, there are early indications of the coming ideological divisions that would define the 1790s.
Recommended Readings
- James Madison, Speech on Import Duties, April 17, 1789
- James Madison, Speech on Removal Power of the President, May 19, 1789
- George Washington To Bushrod Washington, July 27, 1789
- James Madison, Speech on Constitutional Amendments, June 6, 1789
- Noah Webster, “Pacificus” To James Madison, August 14, 1789
- Statement of the Continental Association, October 20, 1774
Mr. Thompson is a Republican political consultant.
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