ABSTRACT
This chapter analyzes the American Founding to identify the relevance of constitutional design and political theory to a proper diagnosis of the threat posed by Christian Nationalism. For example, what did the Founders have to say about the difference between republics and democracies, the threat of minority factions, and political philosophies like liberalism and republicanism? What role should public schools play in providing a civic education that cultivates a commitment to the ideals of republican self-government and liberal democracy? If, as some critics argue, liberalism now prioritizes individualism over the common good, should civic education draw on insights from republicanism to reintroduce civic virtue as a necessary corrective?
