Uploaded January 2015 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
Religion and American Constitutionalism, by Professor Jeffry Morrison. Jeffry Morrison, Ph.D., Director of Academics, James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation, reviews the role of religion in early American political life, demonstrating that men like Jonathan Edwards and movements like the Great Awakening contributed directly to the popular constitutionalism of the 1780’s. Notwithstanding the Founders’ religious beliefs, their commitment to federalism explains why the Constitution is silent on religion. Dr. Morrison pays particular attention to James Madison: his religious beliefs; his religious libertarianism; and his lifelong commitment to religious liberty.
American History Videos are sponsored by the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation. These videos are offered to help teachers, students and the general public learn more about America's founding and the Constitution of the United States. www.jamesmadison.gov.
0:00 Intro
0:36 Classical republicanism
5:57 Awakening and enlightenment
9:46 Federalism
Religion and American Constitutionalism, by Professor Jeffry Morrison. Jeffry Morrison, Ph.D., Director of Academics, James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation, reviews the role of religion in early American political life, demonstrating that men like Jonathan Edwards and movements like the Great Awakening contributed directly to the popular constitutionalism of the 1780’s. Notwithstanding the Founders’ religious beliefs, their commitment to federalism explains why the Constitution is silent on religion. Dr. Morrison pays particular attention to James Madison: his religious beliefs; his religious libertarianism; and his lifelong commitment to religious liberty.
American History Videos are sponsored by the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation. These videos are offered to help teachers, students and the general public learn more about America's founding and the Constitution of the United States. www.jamesmadison.gov.
0:00 Intro
0:36 Classical republicanism
5:57 Awakening and enlightenment
9:46 Federalism
