The Democratic Constitution Blog
@demconblog.bsky.social
A blog and podcast dedicated to developing the movement for a democratic constitution based on one person, one equal vote.
🌿democraticconstitutionblog.substack
🌿democraticconstitutionblog.substack
Van Gosse discusses the political participation of black Americans in the Antebellum period, the absence of a constitutional critique in the New Left, and why few people are talking about the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/van-gosse-...
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/van-gosse-...
Van Gosse on the First Reconstruction, Antebellum Historiography, and the New Left
The transcript of this episode can be accessed by clicking the transcript button below the title.
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com
November 29, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Van Gosse discusses the political participation of black Americans in the Antebellum period, the absence of a constitutional critique in the New Left, and why few people are talking about the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/van-gosse-...
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/van-gosse-...
Kermit Roosevelt covers Reconstruction & Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address as alternative foundations for American identity, views of the Declaration of Independence, MLK & the Civil Rights Movement, and the need for a Third Reconstruction.
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/kermit-roo...
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/kermit-roo...
Kermit Roosevelt on Reconstructing America's Story
Luke talks with Professor Kermit Roosevelt about his latest book, The Nation That Never Was: Reconstructing America’s Story.
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com
August 25, 2025 at 4:22 AM
Kermit Roosevelt covers Reconstruction & Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address as alternative foundations for American identity, views of the Declaration of Independence, MLK & the Civil Rights Movement, and the need for a Third Reconstruction.
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/kermit-roo...
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/kermit-roo...
Donald Trump’s takeover of Washington’s police force this week is adding insult to the injury of the United States’ long denial of equal political standing to the capital’s residents.
jacobin.com/2025/08/trum...
jacobin.com/2025/08/trum...
DC Deserves Statehood
Donald Trump’s takeover of Washington’s police force this week is adding insult to the injury of the United States’ long denial of equal political standing to the capital’s residents.
jacobin.com
August 20, 2025 at 8:12 PM
Donald Trump’s takeover of Washington’s police force this week is adding insult to the injury of the United States’ long denial of equal political standing to the capital’s residents.
jacobin.com/2025/08/trum...
jacobin.com/2025/08/trum...
This month, 60 years ago, the Voting Rights Act was signed into law. Its protections have been rolled back in recent years — and our fundamentally undemocratic Constitution is to blame.
jacobin.com/2025/08/voti...
#voting #VRA
jacobin.com/2025/08/voti...
#voting #VRA
To Protect Voting Rights, We Need a Democratic Constitution
On this day 60 years ago, the Voting Rights Act was signed into law. Its protections have been rolled back in recent years — and our fundamentally undemocratic Constitution is to blame.
jacobin.com
August 20, 2025 at 8:11 PM
This month, 60 years ago, the Voting Rights Act was signed into law. Its protections have been rolled back in recent years — and our fundamentally undemocratic Constitution is to blame.
jacobin.com/2025/08/voti...
#voting #VRA
jacobin.com/2025/08/voti...
#voting #VRA
250 years since the Declaration was written, we still lack a constitution based on universal suffrage, equal representation, and enforceable social rights such as affordable health care, equal pay for equal work, and self-determination for indigenous peoples.
jacobin.com/2025/07/inde...
jacobin.com/2025/07/inde...
This July 4, Let’s Resolve to Win an Actual Democracy
The US government is already preparing massive celebrations of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution for next July 4, the country’s semiquincentennial. It’s high time to scrap the antid...
jacobin.com
July 4, 2025 at 2:38 AM
250 years since the Declaration was written, we still lack a constitution based on universal suffrage, equal representation, and enforceable social rights such as affordable health care, equal pay for equal work, and self-determination for indigenous peoples.
jacobin.com/2025/07/inde...
jacobin.com/2025/07/inde...
Reposted by The Democratic Constitution Blog
"How did I wind up talking trash about the Constitution in print?"
My thanks to Luke Pickrell (@demconblog.bsky.social) for a conversation about how we got here and the *opportunities* in this moment to rethink our political institutions: democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/stephen-pi...
My thanks to Luke Pickrell (@demconblog.bsky.social) for a conversation about how we got here and the *opportunities* in this moment to rethink our political institutions: democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/stephen-pi...
Stephen Pimpare on the Constitution and Trump's Emergence
The transcript of this episode can be accessed by clicking the “Transcript” button below the title.
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com
July 2, 2025 at 3:54 PM
"How did I wind up talking trash about the Constitution in print?"
My thanks to Luke Pickrell (@demconblog.bsky.social) for a conversation about how we got here and the *opportunities* in this moment to rethink our political institutions: democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/stephen-pi...
My thanks to Luke Pickrell (@demconblog.bsky.social) for a conversation about how we got here and the *opportunities* in this moment to rethink our political institutions: democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/stephen-pi...
Say it loud and say it proud: We want a democracy!
It's never been clearer that the principles of universal and equal rights proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence can’t be fulfilled under the current Constitution.
jacobin.com/2025/05/cons...
#supremecourt #SCOTUS #Trump
It's never been clearer that the principles of universal and equal rights proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence can’t be fulfilled under the current Constitution.
jacobin.com/2025/05/cons...
#supremecourt #SCOTUS #Trump
Only a Democratic Constitution Can Stop Trumpism
Many liberal commentators are invoking the Constitution as a bulwark against Donald Trump’s attacks on civil liberties. The truth is, our nation’s antidemocratic founding document has allowed the auth...
jacobin.com
June 28, 2025 at 3:46 AM
Say it loud and say it proud: We want a democracy!
It's never been clearer that the principles of universal and equal rights proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence can’t be fulfilled under the current Constitution.
jacobin.com/2025/05/cons...
#supremecourt #SCOTUS #Trump
It's never been clearer that the principles of universal and equal rights proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence can’t be fulfilled under the current Constitution.
jacobin.com/2025/05/cons...
#supremecourt #SCOTUS #Trump
"It’s the same story year after year: Democrats force a smile and critique just enough of the Republican agenda to get elected, and then bring out the shiv to work everyone over."
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/democrats-...
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/democrats-...
Democratic in Name Only
It's the same old story. By Luke Pickrell
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com
June 18, 2025 at 5:51 PM
"It’s the same story year after year: Democrats force a smile and critique just enough of the Republican agenda to get elected, and then bring out the shiv to work everyone over."
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/democrats-...
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/democrats-...
We need the power that can only come through a new constitution built around a unicameral legislature elected through universal and equal suffrage.
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/the-strate...
#nokings #losangeles
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/the-strate...
#nokings #losangeles
The Same Strategy
A few thoughts on Los Angeles. By Luke Pickrell
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com
June 12, 2025 at 4:31 PM
We need the power that can only come through a new constitution built around a unicameral legislature elected through universal and equal suffrage.
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/the-strate...
#nokings #losangeles
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/the-strate...
#nokings #losangeles
"Consider carrying a sign that points to the need for a democratic constitution. We must do our best to reframe the conversation around the need for a new democratic founding."
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/the-best-f...
#nokings #indivisible #5051movement #trump
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/the-best-f...
#nokings #indivisible #5051movement #trump
The Best Flag Day Yet?
By Luke Pickrell
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com
June 10, 2025 at 2:23 PM
"Consider carrying a sign that points to the need for a democratic constitution. We must do our best to reframe the conversation around the need for a new democratic founding."
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/the-best-f...
#nokings #indivisible #5051movement #trump
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/the-best-f...
#nokings #indivisible #5051movement #trump
We talked with Greg Grandin on the latest episode of the Democratic Constitution Podcast.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
June 6, 2025 at 10:48 PM
We talked with Greg Grandin on the latest episode of the Democratic Constitution Podcast.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
"The central organs of the Democratic Party can’t be changed. But the rank and file can be reached through appeals to democracy on the one hand, and consistent exposure of the Party elite as oppositional to democracy on the other."
#democracy
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/david-hogg...
#democracy
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/david-hogg...
David Hogg, the Democratic Party, and the Oligarchic US Constitution
On the never-ending DNC war on independence in the party. By Lucas De Hart
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com
June 3, 2025 at 6:06 PM
"The central organs of the Democratic Party can’t be changed. But the rank and file can be reached through appeals to democracy on the one hand, and consistent exposure of the Party elite as oppositional to democracy on the other."
#democracy
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/david-hogg...
#democracy
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/david-hogg...
"More than just a means to get to socialism, for activists and workers, freedom and equal rights constituted what they needed to be fully human."
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/marxism-is... #democracy #constitution
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/marxism-is... #democracy #constitution
Marxism Is Democratic Republicanism: The History of the Struggle for Equal Human and Political Rights From the Inside Out
Gil Schaeffer's introduction to a new reading list
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com
June 2, 2025 at 3:36 PM
"More than just a means to get to socialism, for activists and workers, freedom and equal rights constituted what they needed to be fully human."
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/marxism-is... #democracy #constitution
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/marxism-is... #democracy #constitution
Luke I spoke with Sami and Alfredo for a second time about the June 1 judicial elections in Mexico. They give a good rundown of successes, challenges, and hopes. democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/the-democr...
The Democratic Constitution Podcast: Alfredo and Sami on Mexico's Judicial Elections
The transcript of this episode can be accessed by clicking the “Transcript” button below the title.
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com
May 24, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Luke I spoke with Sami and Alfredo for a second time about the June 1 judicial elections in Mexico. They give a good rundown of successes, challenges, and hopes. democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/the-democr...
"The Supreme Court has ruled multiple times that searches and seizures without a warrant or probable cause are permitted within 100 miles of any U.S. border, which covers over two-thirds of the U.S. population."
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/hasan-pike...
#Trump #democracy
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/hasan-pike...
#Trump #democracy
Hasan Piker's Detention
Secure civil rights need a democratic foundation. By Luke Pickrell
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com
May 21, 2025 at 3:26 PM
"The Supreme Court has ruled multiple times that searches and seizures without a warrant or probable cause are permitted within 100 miles of any U.S. border, which covers over two-thirds of the U.S. population."
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/hasan-pike...
#Trump #democracy
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/hasan-pike...
#Trump #democracy
Concrete demands should be coupled simultaneously with criticisms of our undemocratic political system to explain the lack of legislative progress & the necessity of democracy. Reforms, yes. Socialism, yes. But to win either, we need democracy
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/the-us-lef...
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/the-us-lef...
The U.S. Left's Rediscovery of Democratic Republicanism
A recording and edited transcript of Luke's presentation to East Bay DSA
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com
May 19, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Concrete demands should be coupled simultaneously with criticisms of our undemocratic political system to explain the lack of legislative progress & the necessity of democracy. Reforms, yes. Socialism, yes. But to win either, we need democracy
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/the-us-lef...
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/the-us-lef...
Luke talks with Mariano Guevara about Mexico’s first-ever popular election for federal judicial positions.
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/the-democr...
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/the-democr...
The Democratic Constitution Podcast: Mariano Guevara on Mexico's Judicial Elections
The transcript of this episode can be accessed by clicking the “Transcript” button below the title.
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com
May 17, 2025 at 11:22 PM
Luke talks with Mariano Guevara about Mexico’s first-ever popular election for federal judicial positions.
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/the-democr...
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/the-democr...
"But the fact remains: the democratic constitution movement needs propaganda outlets and reliable theoretical leaders. So far, Levitsky, Ziblatt, and Chemerinsky have fallen short."
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/consistency
#constitution #democracy
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/consistency
#constitution #democracy
Consistency
Where Levitsky, Ziblatt, and Chemerinsky have fallen short. By Luke Pickrell
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com
May 14, 2025 at 4:19 PM
"But the fact remains: the democratic constitution movement needs propaganda outlets and reliable theoretical leaders. So far, Levitsky, Ziblatt, and Chemerinsky have fallen short."
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/consistency
#constitution #democracy
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/consistency
#constitution #democracy
"...Paine developed a political philosophy where equality is the basis for any government & if there's not complete equality in rights, then there's no democracy. That right away eliminates America from being a democracy..."
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/the-democr...
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/the-democr...
The Democratic Constitution Podcast: Gary Berton on Thomas Paine's Unfinished Struggle for Democracy
The transcript of this episode can be accessed by clicking the “Transcript” button below the title.
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com
May 9, 2025 at 3:33 PM
"...Paine developed a political philosophy where equality is the basis for any government & if there's not complete equality in rights, then there's no democracy. That right away eliminates America from being a democracy..."
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/the-democr...
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/the-democr...
“And so we’re back at square one. The problems escalate, the constitutional vise tightens, and the release lever remains glued shut. Goldsmith dares to mention the need for change — but not the kind that matters.“
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/stop-playi...
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/stop-playi...
The Vise Tightens
By Luke Pickrell
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com
May 7, 2025 at 3:51 PM
“And so we’re back at square one. The problems escalate, the constitutional vise tightens, and the release lever remains glued shut. Goldsmith dares to mention the need for change — but not the kind that matters.“
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/stop-playi...
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/stop-playi...
Luke's article for @jacobinmag.bsky.social about Trump's term and the need for a democratic constitution.
jacobin.com/2025/05/cons...
jacobin.com/2025/05/cons...
Only a Democratic Constitution Can Stop Trumpism
Many liberal commentators are invoking the Constitution as a bulwark against Donald Trump’s attacks on civil liberties. The truth is, our nation’s antidemocratic founding document has allowed the auth...
jacobin.com
May 4, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Luke's article for @jacobinmag.bsky.social about Trump's term and the need for a democratic constitution.
jacobin.com/2025/05/cons...
jacobin.com/2025/05/cons...
The struggle for democracy and equality for all continues. By Gil Schaeffer
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/the-legacy...
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/the-legacy...
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com
April 21, 2025 at 7:02 PM
The struggle for democracy and equality for all continues. By Gil Schaeffer
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/the-legacy...
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/the-legacy...
"We want a democracy that has never truly existed — one grounded in the explicit right to universal and equal suffrage, safeguarded by accountable, elected representatives."
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/the-best-d...
#constitution #democracy #voting
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/the-best-d...
#constitution #democracy #voting
Build Something Better
When it comes to defending voting rights, the only way forward is a strident fight for democracy. By Luke Pickrell
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com
April 14, 2025 at 4:14 PM
"We want a democracy that has never truly existed — one grounded in the explicit right to universal and equal suffrage, safeguarded by accountable, elected representatives."
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/the-best-d...
#constitution #democracy #voting
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/the-best-d...
#constitution #democracy #voting
Samuel Moyn on Misplaced Faith in the Courts
#supremecourt #donaldtrump #constitution
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/the-democr...
#supremecourt #donaldtrump #constitution
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/the-democr...
The Democratic Constitution Podcast: Samuel Moyn on Misplaced Faith in the Courts
The transcript of this episode can be accessed by clicking the “Transcript” button below the title.
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com
April 9, 2025 at 5:14 PM
Samuel Moyn on Misplaced Faith in the Courts
#supremecourt #donaldtrump #constitution
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/the-democr...
#supremecourt #donaldtrump #constitution
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/the-democr...
"[S]ocialists call for a democratic constitution with universal and equal suffrage, which means the abolition of the Senate, ending the Supreme Court’s right of judicial review, enacting proportional representation..."
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/name-the-s...
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/name-the-s...
Name the System, Fight the Constitution
Palouse DSA member Matthew S. talked about the Constitution during an anti-Trump Presidents’ Day protest in Pullman, WA.
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com
April 8, 2025 at 5:16 AM
"[S]ocialists call for a democratic constitution with universal and equal suffrage, which means the abolition of the Senate, ending the Supreme Court’s right of judicial review, enacting proportional representation..."
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/name-the-s...
democraticconstitutionblog.substack.com/p/name-the-s...