Ep. 1324: The Essential Originalist Papers
Summary
Brian McClanahan introduces his new book, *The Essential Originalist Papers*, a 786-page collection of 77 key essays and speeches from the 1787-1788 ratification debates. He argues that understanding the Constitution requires studying these originalist sources, which include works by lesser-known figures like Tench Cox and Roger Sherman alongside the Federalist Papers. McClanahan highlights how these documents emphasize federalism and state sovereignty, contrasting the original intent with modern judicial interpretations and centralization of power.
Topics discussed
Sponsors and introduction to the new book
Background: Why 77 essays were selected
The ratification process and public debate
Sponsor break: 1st Citizens and SVB
Pennsylvania's role and early essays
Political factions and violence in Pennsylvania
Assessing the importance of Federalist Papers
Including lesser-known historical figures
Roger Sherman and the core of federalism
Oliver Ellsworth and the legality of secession
Chronology and Connecticut convention speeches
Checking federal overreach and John Marshall
Sponsor break: 1st Citizens and SVB
Fisher Ames and New England secession threats
Massachusetts convention and anti-constitution sentiment
Tench Cox's 'A Freeman' essays on state power
Defining the original scope of federal power
Essays by Madison, Hanson, and others
North Carolina figures and Federalist 69
John Dickinson and Hamilton on judicial supremacy
Virginia convention speeches and Randolph
John Marshall's speech on coordinate courts
Sponsor break: 1st Citizens and SVB
New York and North Carolina convention speeches
Book availability and concluding thoughts
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