A special edition of “Constitutional Conversations” by the Alturas Institute will focus on “The Declaration of Independence at 250: The Idea of America at the Beginning” on Wednesday at Trinity Methodist Church in Idaho Falls.

Dr. David Adler, Alturas Institute president and a renowned constitutional scholar, will discuss the figures, personalities, events and ideas that animated the surge toward the Declaration of Independence in a program running from 7-8:30 p.m. in the church at 237 N. Water Ave.

The program consists of a 45-minute talk, followed by a 45-minute Q&A session. The public is invited. Admission is $10, payable at the door. There is no admission charge for teachers and students. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Adler will discuss topics such as how did James Otis Jr., Thomas Paine and John Adams influence the movement toward the declaration? Who decided that Thomas Jefferson should have principal responsibility for writing the historic document? Who edited Jefferson and how? What role did Benjamin Franklin play in the drafting of the document?

In addition why do scholars consider the American Revolution to be a constitutional revolution? Which prominent constitutional ideas in the drive toward July 4th have had lasting influence in the way Americans think about our Constitution? What influence did the doctrine of natural rights have on those who conceived and drafted the declaration?

Adler’s talk is part of his speaking tour throughout Idaho—a celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

Adler’s scholarly writings have been quoted by the U.S. Supreme Court, lower federal courts, Republicans and Democrats in both houses of Congress, the U.S. attorney general and historians, political scientists and legal scholars around the world.