Defending Ideas is a weekly podcast produced by Sutherland Institute. On this show we are committed to renewing the principles of common sense conservatism, equipping listeners to become more effective champions of sound principle and good policy.
Utah Attorney General Derek Brown on defending the rule of law and constitutional structure
These days, many political disagreements hinge on misunderstandings of the constitutional structure of state and federal government. How can we address this?
More than just rights: What Americans get wrong about the Constitution
Have Americans forgotten the actual purpose of the Constitution?
A Deeper Look at Utah Voter Priorities
We break down issue priorities by demographic and voting profiles and analyze the diverse perspectives within the state's electorate.
Could a smaller federal safety net save money while elevating work?
There’s a ferocious debate in Washington, D.C., right now over possible cuts to a variety of different programs in the federal government. So what does this mean for the federally funded social safety net?
Empowering Parents Through Open Enrollment
How do open enrollment policies empower parents to make educational choices for their children within the public school system?
Should Utah change its vote-by-mail system?
We discuss whether proposed policy changes would boost or diminish public confidence in elections, examining how to balance voter convenience with election integrity.
Special episode: Is a constitutional amendment the answer to money’s influence in politics?
Can a constitutional amendment truly address the issue of money in politics? Is it the right approach?
The case for app store age verification to protect kids online
How much control do parents really have over the online content their children have access to?
How states can improve transparency to rein in federal agencies and restore federalism
State government agencies are supposed to be accountable to that state’s voters through their elected representatives. But what happens when federal agencies try to directly influence what state agencies do in ways that elected officials may not even know about?
Why Rep. Mike Kennedy Says Welfare Needs Stronger Work Requirements
Should federal welfare programs do more to promote work?
Are ‘empowerment accounts’ the answer to poverty and self-sufficiency? With Vance Ginn
What if there were a more effective way to improve the prospects of families trying to escape poverty that would save taxpayer dollars?
How to empower local school board members to lead education reform
What if one of the most important policy levers for education reform is much closer to home — yet gets ignored far too often?
