Park University Organizing a Discussion on Constitution Day Regarding the Influence of the Presidential Election on Public Policy Matters
The upcoming U.S. presidential election in November is expected to be a defining moment for the nation, with far-reaching implications for both domestic and international politics. This was the central theme of the annual Constitution Day Lecture at Park University, which took place on September 23, 2020.
The lecture, titled "The 2020 U.S. General Election: Public Policy Implications in January 2021," was a collaborative effort between Park University and the National Archives at Kansas City. The discussion featured Park University faculty members Matt Harris, Ph.D., and Jack Adam MacLennan, Ph.D., both assistant professors of political science at the university.
Dr. MacLennan emphasised that the election will occur in a radically different environment compared to 2016, with inequality, populism, and stasis driving the political debate. He further stated that the election in 2020 will directly impact the country's future in numerous ways.
The lecture aimed to define the U.S.'s role in the current global context, rather than focusing on specific issues. It explored the impact of the election on civic understanding and constitutional principles, political violence and democracy, and constitutional interpretation and the rule of law.
The events surrounding January 2021, including the Capitol attack, reflect ongoing challenges of political violence and its threat to democracy. Scholars like Dr. Steven Hahn emphasise the historical context of such violence as a struggle over democracy, illustrating the need for policies addressing political accountability and the protection of democratic institutions.
The lecture also highlighted the importance of strengthening civic education to support democratic engagement and respectful disagreement, critical in the tense political environment of 2020–2021. Understanding how constitutional principles guide judicial responses is crucial for public policy focusing on election integrity and peaceful transitions of power.
The Constitution Day Lecture was implemented by the U.S. Department of Education in 2005, following the enactment of legislation for Constitution Day in 2004. The day is federally mandated for all institutions of higher education that receive federal funding and celebrates the adoption of the U.S. Constitution and those who have become U.S. citizens.
This year's Constitution Day Lecture was held virtually at Park University's website, reflecting the current need for online events due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Despite the virtual setting, the event attracted a large audience interested in understanding the public policy implications of the 2020 U.S. General Election and its aftermath in January 2021.
[1] "Strengthening Civics Knowledge to Support Democratic Engagement," National Association of State Boards of Education, 2020. [2] "The Capitol Attack and the Threat to Democracy," The Washington Post, 2021. [3] "The Role of the Judiciary in Maintaining Democratic Order after Contested Elections," The Brookings Institution, 2020. [4] "Election Integrity and Peaceful Transitions of Power: The Role of Constitutional Principles," The Heritage Foundation, 2020.
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