Students Delve Into the Pivotal Moments and Ideas of America’s Constitutional Democracy
How did the U.S. become the most prosperous nation in the world? Students in the TFAS Capital Semester on Leadership + the American Presidency explored this question and more during Dr. Donald Devine’s Constitutional Leadership Seminar in Washington, D.C., this week. Through his lecture, the TFAS Grewcock Senior Scholar uncovered the origins of our constitutional democracy by highlighting key moments of human development in world history.
As director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management under President Reagan and a career academic, Devine provides a unique insight into the workings of American government and extensive knowledge of our nation’s founding principles.
One of my greatest takeaways from Dr. Devine’s seminar was the timeline of events. Learning about where we came from, where we’re going and how we can use those past events to predict the future really fascinated me.” – Bethany Weaver ’19, Eastern Florida State College
Dr. Devine begins his seminar with one prudent question: “How did America get to where it is today?” The lecture continues with a discussion of the origins of governance and leadership, ranging from 4000 B.C. all the way up to the present day.
One of the greatest lessons from Dr. Devine’s Constitutional Leadership Seminar is the importance of our nation’s Constitution in safeguarding the freedom of American citizens. Dr. Devine emphasizes that the division of power within the three branches of government is crucial to a free society. With the longest lasting Constitution in the world, The United States has proven that its democracy will continue to survive for generations to come.
Dr. Devine’s Constitutional Leadership Seminars are a free educational opportunity for college students. If you are interested in hosting a Constitutional Leadership Seminar at your campus or organization, please contact Jane Mack at jmack@TFAS.org.
TFAS Supporters Follow In the Footsteps of Churchill from England to Morocco
TFAS supporters stepped into the shoes of Winston Churchill during an eight-day journey that explored the places and experiences that shaped one of the world’s most influential leaders. More than 30 guests attended the trip in England and Morocco, including renowned Churchill expert Dr. James Muller, a professor of political science at the University of Alaska, Anchorage, who has studied Churchill for most of his academic career.
TFAS Trustee Frank Lauinger said the carefully curated itinerary surrounding all aspects of Churchill’s life made the trip feel up close and personal.
One couldn’t help but come away feeling like you had lived in Churchill’s time and been witness to all the major achievements of his life.” – Frank Lauinger
During the trip, attendees met with TFAS alumni during a dinner in London featuring keynote remarks by former House of Commons member Douglas Carswell. Carswell provided a unique look at the impact of Brexit and imagined what an EU-like organization combined of the nations of North and South America might look like. TFAS Trustee and trip attendee Fred Barnes wrote about Carswell’s talk in the Washington Examiner.
To learn more about the trip and view photos from the eight-day journey at TFAS.org/ChurchillTrip.
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Andres Guilarte is one of two Venezuelan asylum seekers that TFAS is sending to college campuses across the U.S. to share their stories and warn young people about the dangers of socialism. To learn more and watch a video trailer about the project, visit TFAS.org/Venezuela.
Quick Links
TFAS Professor Joshua Walker was named the new president and CEO of the Japan Society.
Haley Britzky ’16 reports for Task&Purpose on the first 11 soldiers to receive the Expert Soldier Badge.
TFAS Trustee Peter McPherson writes about the impact of foreign aid investment on economic growth and global engagement for AgriPulse.
Jillian Kay Melchoir, Novak ’11, writes on China’s Hong Kong “crackdown” and the violence against activists for The Wall Street Journal.
Brad Allen ’18 reports in Portage Daily Register on local Wisconsin students gaining interest in civics.
Steff Thomas ’13 is now a reporter for ABC News. In her first article, she reports on Elizabeth Warren’s campaign.
Bill Wirtz ’17 writes in The American Conservative about economic fears for the UK following Brexit.
TFAS Trustee Fred Barnes writes in Washington Examiner on the future of Supreme Court’s liberal bloc.
Jessica Taylor ’05 reports from Calvin University on the political and generational split among Evangelicals for NPR.
TFAS Trustee Emeritus Dr. Lee Edwards is dispelling the myths of socialism. In a recent article for the National Review, he examines nations that tried socialism and failed, and for FOX Business, he shared why socialism is the “clear and present danger” of American life.
Matthew Continetti, Novak ’08, writes for National Review on how wealth and cronyism have transformed American democracy.
Viktorya Muradyan ’19 reports for Orange Magazine, the publication of the European Youth Press, sharing lessons and stories from the 2019 European Journalism Institute (EJI), co-hosted by TFAS and The Media Project in Prague, Czech Republic.
Blaise Misztal ’00, PPF ’09, shared his foreign policy expertise on Syria and protecting American Interests at two panels hosted by The Hudson Institute this month.
Peter Suderman, Novak ’10, opines in the New York Times on why Medicare for all will likely not succeed on a national scale.
Curt Mills, Novak ’18 explores Senate Republicans’ sentiment on Vice President Mike Pence in an article for The American Conservative.
Ben Nuelle ’14 reports on the EPA’s new plan for setting biofuel exemptions for AgriPulse.
In the Daily Caller, Blaise Misztal ’00, PPF ’09 opines against Trump’s Syria withdrawal. The counterpoint in support of the move is written by TFAS professor William Ruger.
Matthew Continetti, Novak ’08, opines on Nancy Pelosi and impeachment inquiry for The Washington Free Beacon.
Claudia Teran ’93 was named a nominee for in-house counsel by Los Angeles Business Journal.