Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
How do state governments, federal power, and the courts shape our constitutional rights? In this Constitution Day conversation, Bill of Rights Institute’s Kirk Higgins sits down with Anastasia Boden, Senior Attorney at the Pacific Legal Foundation, to discuss federalism, individual liberty, and the critical role of the judiciary in protecting our rights.
As part of our Constitution Day Live programming, celebrating “Democracy in Your Backyard”, this interview explores how state and local governments impact our daily lives, why court decisions matter across state lines, and how courage and civic virtue play a role in defending liberty.
Teach the Constitution in your classroom using BRI's Constitution Day resources and lesson plans: https://billofrightsinstitute.org/con...
Get Pocket Constitutions for your classroom here: https://billofrightsinstitute.org/poc...
00:00 – 00:37 Introduction
00:38 – 01:35 Meet Anastasia Bowden
01:36 – 04:29 Why State Governments and Courts Matter
04:30 – 05:18 How Lawsuits Shape Constitutional Principles
05:19 – 07:25 The Judiciary’s Role in Protecting Rights
07:26 – 09:38 Courage, Public Opinion, and Defending Liberty
09:39 – 13:30 Cases to Watch & The Constitution in Action
13:31 –14:34 Closing Reflections
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About the Bill of Rights Institute:
Established in September 1999, the Bill of Rights Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization that works to engage, educate, and empower individuals with a passion for the freedom and opportunity that exist in a free society. The Institute develops educational resources and programs for a network of more than 50,000 educators and 70,000 students nationwide.
Official Site: billofrightsinstitute.org
Facebook: / billofrightsinstitute
Twitter: / brinstitute
Instagram: / brinstitute
BRI Educator Newsletter Sign Up Page: https://billofrightsinstitute.org/new...
How do state governments, federal power, and the courts shape our constitutional rights? In this Constitution Day conversation, Bill of Rights Institute’s Kirk Higgins sits down with Anastasia Boden, Senior Attorney at the Pacific Legal Foundation, to discuss federalism, individual liberty, and the critical role of the judiciary in protecting our rights.
As part of our Constitution Day Live programming, celebrating “Democracy in Your Backyard”, this interview explores how state and local governments impact our daily lives, why court decisions matter across state lines, and how courage and civic virtue play a role in defending liberty.
Teach the Constitution in your classroom using BRI's Constitution Day resources and lesson plans: https://billofrightsinstitute.org/con...
Get Pocket Constitutions for your classroom here: https://billofrightsinstitute.org/poc...
00:00 – 00:37 Introduction
00:38 – 01:35 Meet Anastasia Bowden
01:36 – 04:29 Why State Governments and Courts Matter
04:30 – 05:18 How Lawsuits Shape Constitutional Principles
05:19 – 07:25 The Judiciary’s Role in Protecting Rights
07:26 – 09:38 Courage, Public Opinion, and Defending Liberty
09:39 – 13:30 Cases to Watch & The Constitution in Action
13:31 –14:34 Closing Reflections
-----
About the Bill of Rights Institute:
Established in September 1999, the Bill of Rights Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization that works to engage, educate, and empower individuals with a passion for the freedom and opportunity that exist in a free society. The Institute develops educational resources and programs for a network of more than 50,000 educators and 70,000 students nationwide.
Official Site: billofrightsinstitute.org
Facebook: / billofrightsinstitute
Twitter: / brinstitute
Instagram: / brinstitute
BRI Educator Newsletter Sign Up Page: https://billofrightsinstitute.org/new...
