Upcoming Event
October
20
2026
U.S. Government & Politics
New survey tracks darkening mood and shifting political loyalties ahead of midterm elections
This summer will usher in a major milestone in U.S. history: the semiquincentennial or 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. While the words on the page have not changed, the document’s significance has shifted and evolved throughout American history as civil rights and political movements captured the public’s attention. Whether it’s women’s suffrage, the Gettysburg Address or Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” speech, progress has forced Americans to grapple anew with the founders’ intent.
On June 30, Governance Studies at Brookings hosted an event to explore the declaration’s meaning in light of today’s evolving political landscape.
Agenda
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June 30
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Introductory remarks
1:30 pm - 1:40 pm
William A. Galston Senior Fellow - Governance Studies, Center for Effective Public Management (CEPM), Ezra K. Zilkha Chair in Governance Studies -
Framing speeches
1:40 pm - 2:30 pm
Danielle Allen James Bryant Conant University Professor - Harvard University
Michael Zuckert Nancy R. Dreux Emeritus Professor of Political Science - University of Notre Dame Distinguished Visiting Professor - University of Texas (Austin) -
Panel one
2:30 pm - 3:15 pm
Danielle Allen James Bryant Conant University Professor - Harvard University
Michael Zuckert Nancy R. Dreux Emeritus Professor of Political Science - University of Notre Dame Distinguished Visiting Professor - University of Texas (Austin)Moderator
William A. Galston Senior Fellow - Governance Studies, Center for Effective Public Management (CEPM), Ezra K. Zilkha Chair in Governance Studies -
Break
3:15 pm - 3:30 pm
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Panel two
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Robert Kagan Stephen & Barbara Friedman Senior Fellow - Foreign Policy, Strobe Talbott Center for Security, Strategy, and Technology
Andre M. Perry Senior Fellow - Brookings Metro, Director - Center for Community Uplift andreperryeduModerator
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