The Library of Congress: A National Treasure

The Library of Congress (LOC) is one of the most important institutions in the United States. It’s more than just a collection of books—it’s a symbol of knowledge and a cornerstone of democracy. From its humble beginnings in 1800 to becoming the most extensive library in the world, the Library of Congress has grown to…

The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln: A Nation in Mourning and a Legacy Shaped by Tragedy

On the evening of April 14, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth, a Confederate sympathizer and well-known actor, while attending a performance of Our American Cousin at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. The attack came just days after the Union victory in the Civil War, a moment that should have been…

The 17th Amendment: A Constitutional Shift in Senatorial Elections

When the United States Constitution was drafted in 1787, the method for selecting U.S. senators was carefully designed to reflect the federal structure of the new nation. According to Article I, Section 3, senators were to be chosen by state legislatures. This system was intended to give state governments a direct role in federal decision-making…

Balancing Power: The U.S. Checks and Balances System

The United States’ system of checks and balances is a cornerstone of its constitutional democracy, designed to ensure that no single branch of government becomes too powerful. Rooted in Enlightenment philosophy and shaped by thinkers like Montesquieu, this system was carefully crafted by the Founding Fathers to protect individual freedoms and maintain a fair distribution…

The Constitution and American Unity, with Yuval Levin

At a time when Americans seem more divided than ever, author Yuval Levin offers a compelling argument for how we can rebuild a shared national identity. Levin, the director of Social, Cultural, and Constitutional Studies at the American Enterprise Institute, joined the O’Connor Institute to discuss his latest book, American Covenant, which examines the Constitutional foundations…

The 18th Amendment: America’s Experiment with Prohibition

The 18th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified on January 16, 1919, marked the beginning of Prohibition, a nationwide ban on the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages. This amendment, along with the Volstead Act, which provided the legal framework for enforcement, represented one of the most ambitious and controversial social experiments in…

Alaska Becomes the 49th State: A Milestone in American History

On January 3, 1959, Alaska officially became the 49th state of the United States, marking the culmination of a long journey from a remote territory to statehood. Known as “The Last Frontier,” Alaska’s statehood was transformative for the U.S., symbolizing growth and a broader inclusion of its territories. The Path to Statehood Alaska’s history with…

Joseph Hayne Rainey: A Trailblazing Figure in American Politics

Joseph Hayne Rainey, born in 1832 in Georgetown, South Carolina, holds a significant place in American history as the first African American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives. His life and career reflect the turbulent yet transformative era of Reconstruction, a period in which African Americans sought to assert their rights and reshape…

October 2, 1967: Thurgood Marshall’s Supreme Court Legacy Begins

On October 2, 1967, Thurgood Marshall made history by becoming the first African American Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court. His appointment by President Lyndon B. Johnson was a significant milestone in the nation’s ongoing struggle for racial equality. Marshall’s long career as a civil rights attorney, combined with his profound influence on…

What’s the Deal with the Electoral College?

Perhaps no extant product of the U.S. Constitution has received more bipartisan animus than the Electoral College. Since 1800 there have been more than 700 proposals introduced in Congress to amend or eliminate the way in which America chooses its presidents. Yet the Electoral College lives on. Why do we have this system? Why does…