The Founders’ Constitution

The Founders’ Constitution is a collection of debates among the American Founders over framing, ratifying, and interpreting the United States Constitution of 1787.

What? The West Custer County Public Library will sponsor a free, non-partisan, educational discussion of these debates, integrating adult learners of all ages, Custer County High School students, and home school students grades 9-12.

Why? To get a better understanding of what the American Founders agreed about in supporting the Constitution, but also why they often disagreed.

Younger learners can expect an extra-curricular college prep project unlike any today in Colorado. High school and home school students will receive a transcript for their studies, and if they do well, a letter of recommendatoin for any college or university to which they apply.

How? Participants will read an average of twenty-five pages per week from The Founders Constitution. The approach is Socratic, meaning guided by questions rooted in the text of the debates.

Who? This project is open and cost free to any motivated high school students, grades 9-12, and adult learners of any age. The discussion leader will be Professor Karl Walling, A semi-retired, well-published scholar who has held many research and teaching appointments at several universities and colleges, including with the Program in Constitutional Government at Harvard University.

When and where? Beginning on 6 October 2025, participants will meet once per week on Mondays, 4:00-6:00 PM, for a seminar discussion of the assigned reading. Breaks will coincide with the Custer County High School schedule. To register, visit the West Custer County Library Events page and search for Constitution. Click here.