Debates over the relevance of the United States Constitution have surged in recent years, with many commentators labeling it broken or obsolete. At the same time, partisan conflict appears more intense than ever, prompting scholars to ask whether today’s divisions are a novel crisis or part of a longer historical rhythm. In September 2026, the New Hampshire Institute of Politics will host two back-to-back events that address both topics, offering fresh perspectives from leading political scientists.
Keeping the Republic: A Defense of American Constitutionalism
On September 30, 2026, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. EDT, Boston College professors Dennis Hale and Marc Landy will present their book Keeping the Republic: A Defense of American Constitutionalism. The authors contend that critics often overlook the Constitution’s original ambition: to secure a republican form of government for a nation whose size rivals an empire. They argue that the Framers deliberately blended an embrace of modernity with safeguards against its most anti-republican excesses, a framework they believe remains the most viable tool for managing the challenges of a diverse, commercially driven society.
During the discussion, the scholars will trace how the Constitution was crafted as the first modern state document, explicitly tying government authority to the protection of natural rights—life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Moderator Peter B. Josephson a professor of politics at Saint Anselm College, will guide the dialogue, emphasizing the enduring relevance of the Framers’ balancing act. Attendees can purchase copies of the book on site and meet the authors during a brief signing session. The event is free, open to the public, and requires no prior registration.
Partisan Politics: What’s New? What’s Not? What’s Next
Later that day, Brown University’s James A. Morone author of Republic of Wrath: How American Politics Turned Tribal from George Washington to Donald Trump will examine the evolution of partisan conflict in the United States. Drawing on his extensive research, Morone will place the current hyper-partisan climate within a broader historical context, highlighting both unprecedented elements of the Trump era and continuities that echo earlier periods of political turbulence.
Morone’s talk will explore three central questions: How did the United States arrive at its present level of division? Do today’s partisan battles pose a uniquely dangerous threat to the republic, or do they represent another tumultuous chapter in a long-standing pattern? Finally, what strategies might mitigate the storm and restore a more cooperative political environment? As with the earlier session, the lecture is free, open to everyone, and does not require advance sign-up. Copies of Morone’s books are available for purchase through local and online retailers.
Both events illustrate a growing academic effort to reassess foundational American institutions while recognizing the recurring nature of political strife. By juxtaposing a robust defense of constitutional design with a historical analysis of partisanship, the September 30 program offers attendees a nuanced view of the challenges confronting the United States today.
