Throwback Truths: The Foundations of Liberty - Introducing Remedial Civics

At the Institute on the Constitution, we believe that safeguarding our future begins with understanding and reinforcing our foundations. That’s why we’re introducing Throwback Truths — a series that revisits classic video presentations from Michael Anthony Peroutka, founder of IOTC. In these timeless clips, Michael reminds us that a strong cultural foundation is just as essential as the foundation of any building. Without it, our American constitutional structure is at risk of leaning, crumbling, or even collapsing.

In his introduction, Michael points out that just as attacks on a building’s foundation can come from both natural forces and internal structural weaknesses, so too can attacks on our right to life, liberty, and property arise both externally and internally. Understanding what underpins American law and liberty is essential to preserving our freedoms.

But what exactly are the foundations of American law and liberty? Who determined them? Where are they outlined, and where did they come from?

These questions will be the focus of the new series—a journey Michael calls "Remedial Civics." In an age where even our leaders and media constantly (and incorrectly) refer to our government as a democracy rather than a constitutional republic, this education has never been more critical. Michael humorously notes that this mistake would make any civics teacher cringe—assuming there are any civics teachers left!

The Founders made it clear in the Preamble to the Constitution that one of their goals was to "secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity." Today, it is our responsibility to do the same: to study, understand, and pass on the history and heritage of American liberty under law.

Are you ready to take the first step?

Stay tuned for more brief but powerful lessons from the Institute on the Constitution as we work together to preserve and strengthen the American republic.