Often called “the father of American education,” Horace Mann argued that free, standardized schooling was key to self-governance, calling education the “great equalizer of the conditions of men.” A curriculum emphasizing the understanding of civics was core to that argument.…
How do we know if a fact is really a fact? We’re surrounded by online information bubbles on social platforms like Facebook, X and TikTok. But do we really have the digital literacy skills to discern what is real? The…
Voting is the most obvious way to participate in our democracy. But, getting involved goes far beyond the vote. For Evanston, Illinois, participatory budgeting is one way to encourage civic participation, and invite community members’ ideas and voices into the…
American democracy is under threat. Do you have what it takes to be a good citizen? Join Preserving Democracy as we dig into the ten habits of good citizens in a new digital series. In Episode 3, we explore what…
Public parks, mass transit and libraries are all examples of the common good. In the 1800s, free public libraries were commonplace in America. Over the centuries, they've evolved, providing resources for the public well beyond books. In 2023, the Brooklyn…
A watchdog free press, also known as the Fourth Estate, is essential for a healthy democracy. Being informed is a critical part of being an engaged citizen. But in 2024, many Americans disagree about where and what news is accurate;…
Embark on a journey to strengthen democracy and discover the transformative work of The Vanderbilt Project on Unity & American Democracy.
In this episode, The Vanderbilt Project on Unity & American Democracy blends political science, history, and currents events to create a university course that helps students better understand how democracies do and do not work.
Uncover the profound influence of race on the political landscape and the initiatives of The Vanderbilt Project on Unity & American Democracy to address this critical aspect of our democracy.
The Vanderbilt Project on Unity & American Democracy examines the influence of religious beliefs on political ideologies and sheds light on the ways religion can both unite and divide.
The information marketplace is complex and has a profound impact on politics. The Vanderbilt Project on Unity & American Democracy examines how information, disinformation, and media consumption shape our political landscape.
American democracy is struggling with deep polarization. Partisan warfare has supplanted evidence-based problem-solving, and the endless ideological conflict is overwhelming the work of politics.