A Special Constitution Day Event
Discover the fascinating origins of the U.S. Constitution with Dr. Michael Klarman, as he discusses the intentions and interests of America’s constitutional framers. Gain insights into how compromises shaped this pivotal document and its relevance to democratic legitimacy then and now.
Looking beyond history, we bring the conversation into the present with Dr. Hélène Landemore and Dr. Jason Brennan. They will engage in a lively debate about the strengths and weaknesses of American democracy. Explore whether more democracy or less might offer solutions to some of our nation’s most complex political challenges.
This event is perfect for history enthusiasts, political science students, and anyone curious about the foundational principles that guide our government today. Come prepared to expand your understanding and engage in meaningful dialogue about the past, present, and future of American democracy.
Secure your spot for this thought-provoking event! Reserve your spot and join us for an evening of insightful discussions and community engagement.
About the Speakers
Michael J. Klarman is the Charles Warren Professor of Legal History at Harvard Law School. He earned his B.A. and M.A. from the University of Pennsylvania, J.D. from Stanford Law School, and D.Phil. from the University of Oxford. After law school, Klarman clerked for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. He taught at the University of Virginia School of Law for over two decades before moving to Harvard Law School in 2008. A renowned scholar in Constitutional Law and History, he has received multiple awards and honors, including induction into the American Academy of Arts & Sciences. His notable works include From Jim Crow to Civil Rights, which won the Bancroft Prize, and The Framers’ Coup. He is currently writing a book on Race and Sports in American History.
Hélène Landemore is a professor of political science at Yale University with a specialization in political theory. Her research and teaching interests include, among other things, democratic theory, political epistemology, and the ethics and politics of artificial intelligence. She is also a fellow at the Ethics in AI Institute at the University of Oxford, and an advisor to the Democratic Inputs to AIprogram at OpenAI. She served on the Governance Committee of the most recent French Citizens’ Convention and is currently undertaking work supported by Schmidt Futures through the AI2050 program.
Jason Brennan is the Robert J. and Elizabeth Flanagan Family Professor of Strategy, Economics, Ethics, and Public Policy at Georgetown University. He is the author of seventeen books, which have been translated thirty-two times into seventeen languages, plus over one hundred peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. He is the editor of Public Affairs Quarterly and Associate Editor of Social Philosophy of Policy.
About the Moderator
Peggy James is Dean Emeritus of the College of Social Sciences and Professional Studies at the University of Wisconsin–Parkside, where she has focused her work on active citizenship, engagement, and voting for over 30 years. She has a M.A. in Political Science and Government from Marquette University and a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. She created and led the Election Experience Program, boosting student voter engagement and earning UW–Parkside national awards. Her most recent work, while serving as the Director of the Center for Research in Innovation and Smart Cities, focuses on citizen participation in smart city environments, including survey research in Racine and Kenosha to investigate citizen readiness for technology enabled participation, sponsored by the Thompson Center.
