Civil Discourse

Without civil discourse, a vibrant and productive civil society cannot exist; a representative democracy presupposes that its members can discuss challenging issues with the goal of resolving them.

Civic Engagement

A democracy’s success depends upon active participation by its citizens in civic activities, such as voting, volunteering in community groups, or helping with campaigns or causes important to you.

Art’s Role in Civil Society, with Jed Perl

In his book Authority and Freedom: A Defense of the Arts, Jed Perl argues that “authority and freedom are the lifeblood of the arts.” Are they also the lifeblood of civil society—and especially democratic society? View our discussion below on the relationship between art and society, the artist’s role in society, and whether art and…

The Future of the Court

The Presidential Commission on the Supreme Court of the United States was formed by President Joe Biden’s Executive Order 14023 in April 2021. The Commission’s purpose was to provide an analysis of the principal arguments in the contemporary public debate for and against reforming the Supreme Court, including an appraisal of the merits and legality…

Camp O’Connor USA

Camp O’Connor USA is a free, merit-based civics summer program for middle school students with a mission to educate, encourage and inspire the next generation of leaders. Participants in our civics camp gain a deeper, experiential understanding of our nation’s democracy, branches of government, and the duties and responsibilities of citizenship. Camp O’Connor Phoenix will…