“Let religion, that divine support of human virtue, reassume its place in the souls from which it has been driven out so energetically. Remake the man before remaking the citizen. . . . And then you will have effective laws.” —Alexis de Tocqueville
The Tocqueville Forum fosters an enriched understanding of America’s political principles in order to encourage informed civic engagement. The forum offers an annual series of lectures, seminars, reading groups, and other programming which advance a deeper knowledge of America’s fundamental political commitments to liberty and equality.
LECTURES AND SEMINARS
The Forum hosts an annual series of public lectures by prominent academics in Political Science and American History.
Tocqueville Scholars—outstanding undergraduate students—participate in seminar-style roundtables with our guest speakers.
JAMES MADISON FELLOWSHIP
For the Study of American Political Principles and Statesmanship
The Tocqueville Forum offers a summer fellowship in political theory and practice that provides an opportunity for serious engagement with the Constitution and America’s Founding Principles and Statesmanship. Over the course of an intensive three week program, student fellows will simulate the work of the Constitutional Convention of 1787 by debating and constructing the nation’s fundamental law. This fast paced program facilitates politically engaged students in gaining experience in formal and impromptu debates, writing oriented to persuasion, and political strategizing in the hands-on work of politics, while also broadening and deepening their understanding and appreciation of the principles and ideals of the American Founding.