William Baude, the Harry Kalven Jr. Professor of Law, is behind the mic of a new podcast series titled, “Battle of the Branches,” which aims to examine the shifting balance of powers in the US federal government.

The series, which debuted on July 28, is a joint project of the Law School, Harris School of Public Policy, and the Social Sciences Division, driven by the expertise of faculty members in those schools. Baude, a leading constitutional law expert and veteran podcaster, will spend each episode speaking with UChicago scholars about issues such as free speech, foreign policy, judicial decrees and executive orders—and how they are impacted by the balance of power in the federal government. The series is available in both video and audio formats.

“There is no better time than now to carefully examine the balance of powers in American government,” said Baude. “The University of Chicago has renowned scholars across disciplines whose expertise can help us understand timeless questions. It is also a place where complex issues can be examined from diverse points of view. Our goal with this series is to have thoughtful, scholarly discussions that help move conversations beyond headlines and to the heart of democratic governance.”

The first episode, titled “Who checks the executive?” features Baude in conversation with Assistant Professor of Law Bridget Fahey and Political Science Associate Professor Ruth Bloch Rubin—discussing if, and when, Congress and the states can counterbalance presidential power. 

Future episodes will be released weekly on Tuesdays. Subscribe to the series on UChicago’s YouTube channel or on the “Battle of the Branches” podcast page.

—Adapted from a story that was first published on the UChicago News website.