This interdisciplinary course integrates history, political science, philosophy, and literature to engage with the major currents of political thought that have justified, guided, and challenged the growth of the American Republic. Through discussion of the writings and speeches of politicians, activists, and theorists two essential questions will be considered: “What is the character of American political life?” and “What is the nature of American citizenship?” Specific topics may include the relationship between religion and politics, rights, federalism, national identity, republicanism versus liberalism, the relationship of subordinated groups to mainstream political discourse, and how the revolutionary ideas of freedom and equality run up against persistent patterns of inequality.