James K. Polk believed that America was destined to expand west. Did this make him an imperialist or an agent for freedom and opportunity? Wilfred McClay, professor of history at Hillsdale College, sets the record straight about the 11th President of the United States.

Hour 1

5-Minute Videos

James K. Polk: Manifest Destiny

Judaism and Christianity are the only two religions that share a sacred text and a fundamental set of values. These values created and sustained Western Civilization. But now many want to discard them. If we do, at what cost?

What Are Judeo-Christian Values?

In PragerU’s 2023 commencement address, popular podcaster Tim Pool shares the secret of his success (hint: it’s not a degree from a prestigious university). Tim’s life path goes against everything we’re told we need to do to be “successful.” So, how did he do it? And how can you do it, too?

Work, Keep Working, and Then Work Harder

Unlike any governing document in history, the U.S. Constitution inscribed liberty and individual rights into law. But how could America espouse freedom at its founding and also permit slavery? Robert George, Professor of Jurisprudence at Princeton University, examines this moral conundrum.

The Constitution: A Moral Challenge

Is police brutality a major problem in America? Many activists, politicians, and the media would have you believe that it is. But what does the actual data say? Rafael Mangual, senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute and author of Criminal (In)Justice, presents the facts.

Tyre Nichols and Police Brutality

He was a slave owner who opposed the expansion of slavery; a president who despised politics and politicians. That was Zachary Taylor—“Old Rough and Ready.” Joseph Fornieri, Professor of Political Science at the Rochester Institute of Technology, tells the story of this walking contradiction.

Zachary Taylor: The Man Who Might Have Prevented the Civil War

Should the world stop using fossil fuels—oil, coal, and natural gas? Or should we embrace them as an essential part of modern life? Alex Epstein explores these questions.

Fossil Fuels: The Big Picture

Everyone has heard the expression, “Let your conscience be your guide.” But is that really true? Is your conscience trustworthy? Dennis Prager shares some insights that might surprise you.

Don’t Trust Your Conscience

One of the few public policies that unites people from across the political spectrum is school choice—the ability of parents to choose the school that best fits their children’s needs. So, why isn’t it the norm? Mandy Drogin of the Texas Public Policy Foundation explains what the obstacles are and how we might overcome them.

Why Public Schools Should Want School Choice

Crime has become a major issue in America again. People don’t feel safe, and for good reason. Homicides are at levels not seen for decades. How do we reverse this dangerous trend? Former prosecutor Tom Hogan has some street-tested solutions that can be implemented immediately.

How to Make Our Cities Safer

How many times can someone lie to you before you stop believing him? Popular podcaster Tim Pool applies this question to a source you might be trusting a little too much.

Lying Liars

The Constitution has been amended 27 times. The most famous amendments are the first ten: the Bill of Rights. But what do you know about the others? John Yoo, Professor of Law at the University of California, Berkeley, breaks them down.

The Constitution: Taxes, Voting Rights, and Prohibition

We’re supposed to be in a climate crisis. And we are. But not in the way you think. Alex Epstein, author of Fossil Future, explains the real crisis and what we can do to get out of it.

The Real Climate Crisis

The year was 1841. No president had ever before died in office. And then one did. Who would take over as chief executive? The Constitution was surprisingly vague on this question — until Vice President John Tyler took a firm stance. His actions changed the direction of American history. Jared Cohen, author of Accidental Presidents: Eight Men Who Changed America, tells Tyler’s little-known story.

John Tyler: President without a Party

William Henry Harrison, the first Whig president, died shortly after taking office. Though he didn’t live long enough to enact his ambitious agenda, it would be a serious mistake to underestimate his contribution to the American story. Richard Lim, host of the This American President podcast, explains why Harrison matters.

William Henry Harrison: President for 31 Days

The first person to fully realize the value of organizing around a political party was the eighth President of the United States, Martin Van Buren. The party he helped to create is still thriving today. Wilfred McClay, professor of history at Hillsdale College and author of Land of Hope, explains how Van Buren shaped America’s political destiny.

Martin Van Buren: Political Magician

Both revered and reviled in his own time, the seventh President of the United States Andrew Jackson never backed down from a fight. His “my way or the highway” approach made “Old Hickory” as ruthless with his veto pen as with his dueling pistol. Allen Guelzo, Distinguished Research Scholar in the James Madison Program at Princeton University, tells Jackson’s story.

Menu

Unlock access with an Insider membership today.