Reclaiming Liberty & Equality: What the Founders Got Right—and What We Forgot

Professor Robert P. George and Rafael Mangual explore the enduring foundations of American constitutionalism and what they reveal about human nature, power, and freedom. Drawing on the vision of the Founding Fathers, George explains why structural limits on authority—not just good intentions—are essential to preserving liberty.
The discussion moves beyond theory to the tensions between liberty and equality in modern America. Professor George also reflects on the state of higher education, making a compelling case for viewpoint diversity and intellectual humility on campus.

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00:00 Introduction
03:15 Designing Government with Human Nature in Mind
07:54 Structural Constraints on Power
12:06 The Role of Liberty in Conservatism
23:31 The Relationship Between Liberty and Equality
23:59 Liberty and Equality: A Balancing Act
24:55 Controversial Opinions in Jurisprudence
26:20 The Role of Judges vs. Legislators
31:01 The Responsibility of Citizenship
32:29 The Challenge of Indoctrination in Universities
38:34 The State of Young Men in Society
44:47 Role Models for Young Men