One of the most influential contributors to American political thought in the last half-century, George W. Carey speaks here about some of his primary and abiding concerns, including the foundations of political order, the origins and intent of the American republic, and the ultimate crisis of "derailment" befalling the republic. Author of The Federalist: Design for a Constitutional Republicand In Defense of the Constitutionand subject of the festschrift Defending the Republic, Carey has taught at Georgetown University since 1961, where he is Professor of Government. He founded the legendary journal Political Science Reviewerin 1971 and served as its editor for thirty-four years.