Volume 3 | Issue 3
A Conversation on the Economy
With Dr. Art Laffer
Economist Dr. Art Laffer—creator of the Laffer Curve and former advisor to Presidents Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, and several others—joined the Institute for a wide-ranging conversation about the state of the American economy and where it may be headed.
From inflation and government spending to monetary policy and long-term growth, Dr. Laffer offered a signature blend of economic analysis and historical insight. Reflecting on his time in the Reagan administration, he emphasized the enduring value of cutting taxes for economic growth and national prosperity—a lesson, he suggested, that remains vital for shaping the policies of tomorrow.
O'Connor Institute Brings Civics Teachers to the Constitution's Birthplace
This June, the O’Connor Institute welcomed civics educators from across the country to Philadelphia for a weeklong deep dive into the Constitution.
The 2025 intensive, held in partnership with the National Constitution Center and the Organization of American Historians, was taught by Pulitzer Prize–winning historian David Blight and Yale Professor Akhil Amar. The week combined rigorous scholarship with immersive, on-the-ground learning.
Why America’s 250th Matters
In 2026, the United States will commemorate 250 years since its founding. But America’s semiquincentennial isn’t just a celebration of the past. It’s an invitation to think seriously about the future.
This anniversary offers a rare moment for national reflection: a chance to explore the stories, struggles, triumphs, and aspirations that have shaped our civic life—from independence and expansion to reinvention and resilience. It reminds us that our history is not just a fixed set of facts but a living inheritance, one we renew with every generation.
At its best, America250 can be a unifying moment. As we approach this milestone, the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute is committed to ensuring that civic education, civil discourse, and civic engagement are at the heart of the national conversation. Through education and productive dialogue, we aim to help make America’s 250th not only a marker of where we’ve been, but a catalyst for where we’re going.
Sandra Day O’Connor’s Nomination: A Legacy That Still Leads
The Senate Judiciary Committee’s hearings made history of their own. O’Connor’s confirmation process attracted enormous public attention: the committee received more than 50,000 letters, the vast majority supportive, and her hearings were broadcast live. In an era of bitter partisan divides, she won unanimous confirmation, 99–0, in the U.S. Senate.
