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Educator Resource

Liberty & Equality in the American Founding with Carol Berkin Viewing Guide

In this special episode of Scholar Talks we explore how the Founders understood the principles of liberty and equality. BRI Senior Teaching Fellow Tony Williams sits down with Dr. Carol Berkin, distinguished historian, author, and expert on the American Revolution and women’s history, to explore the history of these principles during the Founding.

Published
Aug 31, 2021
Carol Berkin speaking at Constitution Day Live event hosted by the BRI Scholar Talks, featuring a colorful background.

Part I: Viewing Guide

As you view the video, answer the following questions.

  1. How does Dr. Berkin define liberty?
  2. Name one of the individuals Dr. Berkin identifies as nationalists.
  3. Why does Dr. Berkin state that individuals wanted a stronger national government?
  4. Does Dr. Berkin think Alexander Hamilton was power hungry?
  5. How many rights does Dr. Berkin mention Madison listed in his first Bill of Rights?
  6. How did Congress respond?

Part II: Questions for Discussion

After you view the video, discuss the following.

  1. What are natural rights?
  2. What does it mean that natural rights are inalienable?
  3. Dr. Berkin argues that Madison believed that the Bill of Rights would represent to the world what the United States stands for. How does it do this? Do you agree or disagree?
  4. What can we do as citizens to more fully realize the promises of the Declaration and the Bill of Rights?

Answer Key

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