What to know

Video length: 2:45

What would political experts today warn founders about the direction the country might go? Advice includes:

• Address what happens when people disregard norms and niceties, and what happens when one branch of government does not want to be a check on another and abdicates that role.
• Acknowledge that the impeachment process does not work, and is too party-aligned
• Money drives politics and parties in ways the founding fathers could not have anticipated

Why it matters

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, Americans have an opportunity to reflect on both the nation's accomplishments and its ongoing challenges amid modern political, social, and economic realities. Reexamining the strengths and weaknesses of the country's governing institutions can help us better understand how democracy has evolved since the founding era.

Discussion questions

1. What piece of advice would you give to the founding fathers?
2. Which of the proposed pieces of advice to the founding fathers do you find most convincing? Do you agree or disagree with it? Why?

For more

Watch the full episode of PBS' Washington Week segment.

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