American Democracy

According to this poll, only 10 percent of Americans don’t believe our democracy is in danger, and slightly over 50 percent think it is “under attack.” The rest of the country felt our system was being “tested.” When asked, instead, about “personal freedom,” a similar pattern emerged. In short, there is widespread concern about the state of democracy and personal freedom—themes that have certainly played out on the campaign trail for Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.   Read More

With the first presidential debate of 2024 quickly approaching, the American public is expressing widespread concern about the state of democracy and our Constitution. There is also consensus among Americans that free speech is fundamental to democratic governance, according to the most recent Vanderbilt Unity Poll measuring Americans' views of unity and beliefs on government and democracy.  Read More

Students from across Vanderbilt joined representatives from the George W. Bush Institute to share their thoughts and views on democracy, leadership and practicing good citizenship. These sessions took place April 10 in the relaxed environment of the Dialogue Vanderbilt offices. The Bush Institute’s aim is to understand and promote views on democratic values, responsible civic participation and civility—which mirrors Dialogue Vanderbilt’s focus on modeling, researching and showcasing free expression and civil discourse.  Read More

The Vanderbilt Project on Unity and American Democracy is launching a series of conversations and interviews this summer featuring experts on the important issues facing America today. Guests include New York Times national political correspondent Jonathan Martin, American Enterprise Institute senior fellow Yuval Levin, U.S. Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina and more. Read More