When asked about the outcome of the Constitutional Convention, Benjamin Franklin was asked “Doctor, what have we got? A republic or a monarchy?” Frankly famously responded with one of his typical witticisms: “A republic, if you can keep it.”
Can we keep it? As the U.S. experiences increasing polarization, distrust in political institutions, and vitriolic political discourse – all in the shadow of the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol and attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election – we need to confront the fragility of American democracy.
While we are certainly at a critical moment, it’s important to remember that American democracy is not static. The system of government that was devised in 1787 – that is, the republic that we got from the Constitutional Convention – was a far cry from a perfect democracy. The political revolution that led first to independence and then to the U.S. Constitution was but a small step in the broader social revolution that would continue for centuries to follow, in which women, people of color, religious minorities, immigrants, the differently abled, and LGBTQI people would eventually be incorporated into the political process. The founding generation set out lofty ideals, but in their day those ideals were enjoyed only by the privileged few. Their goals may have been noble, but their work was far from complete.
The Rooney Center for the Study of American Democracy is a network of Political Science faculty and graduate students dedicated to researching and teaching about American democracy – its evolution, norms, values, and practices. Our goal is to be a leader in national conversations and research circles about the health of American democracy.
We are excited to partner with ThinkND to share our research with you.
Matthew E. K. Hall
Director, Rooney Center for the Study of American Democracy
David A. Potenziani Memorial College Professor of Constitutional Studies
“A lot of times, some of the most rewarding activities you can do are the ones that are also the most challenging.” – Col. Mike Hopkins Notre Dame parent and NASA...
“I pray regularly and seek the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary for my family but also for Notre Dame and for the students. So that’s very important, and it gives one...
