The Montpelier Foundation established the Robert H. Smith Center for the Constitution in 2002. The original “Center for Constitutional Studies” was meant to be a national academy to provide seminars for educators on topics related to the U.S. Constitution. Robert H. Smith shared our belief that helping educators become better teachers helps students become more knowledgeable about the Constitution, and that both are key to the future of America.

“Consider the Constitution” is a podcast from the Robert H. Smith Center for the Constitution at James Madison’s Montpelier launched in 2023. The 30+ episodes averaging 25 minutes provide insight into constitutional issues that directly affect every American. Hosted by Dr. Katie Crawford-Lackey, the podcast features interviews with constitutional scholars, policy and subject matter experts, heritage professionals, and legal practitioners. Subscribe and join on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

In addition to educators, the Center now works with professionals who have a responsibility to implement and protect the Constitution. We have developed a partnership with the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services to offer programs for law enforcement officers whom we entrust to uphold the values and ideals of America’s governing documents through their actions.

We also host a variety of international professionals, including journalists, non-profit leaders, elected and appointed officials, and human rights lawyers in an effort to promote the rule of law and good governance abroad. Since its inception, the Center for the Constitution has hosted and trained more than 60,000 people from over 110 countries.

Importantly, the Center is not a place where original or new research and interpretation of the US Constitution is created. Rather, we see it as our mission to explore the historical context of the Constitution and examine modern Constitutional issues in a non-partisan way. As an example, Audio Readings on archive.org of James Madison’s “Notes on the Debates in the Federal Convention” from May 25 – September 17, 1787 have been created by Mark Gress, an engaged citizen living in Florida.  The Center for the Constitution is very thankful to Mark and his fellow volunteers for this audio creation that makes Madison’s Notes more accessible to citizens everywhere.  These recordings are based primarily on the Avalon Project online version of the Madison’s Notes with the downloadable audio being available in the public domain.  In addition to countless volunteer hours Mark Gress invested, many other friends and citizens gave their time and voices to allow the dramatization of over 40 individual speakers at the 1787 Convention.  These volunteers include: Joe Johnson, Mike Moffitt, Fred Kiehl, Gary Nelson, James Turner, and for proof listening Grace Badillo.

We know that the Constitution profoundly affects our day-to-day lives, but deciphering and applying it can be intimidating. That’s why the Center exists. We strive to help people gain a better understanding of the document that still serves as the foundation of our nation. We give people the tools to more fully appreciate and understand the Constitution and encourage informed debate, deeper involvement in democracy, and continuous improvement to our nation.

For more information, contact us.