Program

Challenge Programs: Special Initiatives

Period of Performance

9/1/2006 - 9/30/2014

Funding Totals (matching)

$710,000.00 (approved)
$710,000.00 (offered)
$710,000.00 (awarded)


Center for the Study of American Democracy

FAIN: CZ-50173-08

Kenyon College (Gambier, OH 43022-5020)
Pamela K. Jensen (Project Director: February 2007 to February 2015)

Endowment for the director's salary, fellowships and other programming at a new Center for the Study of American Democracy.

Kenyon College will establish and endow a permanent Center for the Study of American Democracy to promote the historical, political, and cultural study of our country's fundamental principles and historical practices. Funding will endow a new faculty position for the Director, post-doctoral Fellowship, biennial national conference, and public lectures. An established Center will sponsor research grants for faculty and students and a summer workshop for Kenyon faculty, and will provide resources for Kenyon's advanced high school programs. The Center will publish electronic journals, a blogsite, podcasts, and scholarly monographs arising out of the conferences, extending the Center's impact on the campus and state. With undergraduate education at its core, Center programs will engage eminent scholars, public policy and political experts, and civic and business leaders in a rare and nationally significant extended dialogue about American liberal democracy and our founding principles.



Media Coverage

Center for the Study of American Democracy Conference 2012: Should America Promote Democracy Abroad? (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Lili Martinez
Publication: Kenyon Collegian
Date: 4/12/2012
Abstract: General info about the Center for Study of American Democracy, NEH We the People Challenge Grant, and the 2012 conference
URL: http://www.kenyoncollegian.com/news/center-for-the-study-of-american-democracy-conference-2012-should-america-promote-democracy-abroad-1.2846419#.UVMZTBzFXTo

Gibbs, Healy-Abrams agree to debate at Kenyon College (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Samantha Scoles
Publication: Mount Vernon News
Date: 10/15/2012
Abstract: Article announcing that Kenyon College will host the only face-to-face debate in the race for Ohio’s 7th Congressional District on Tuesday, Oct. 30, at 7 p.m.
URL: http://www.mountvernonnews.com/local/12/10/15/pr?id=5

Income-gap issues play role in elections (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Joe Vardon
Publication: Columbus Dispatch
Date: 4/13/2014
Abstract: The growing disparity in America between the rich and the poor and mounting pressure on the middle class have become major issues in U.S. elections. Article covers several of the panels and talks from the 2014 CSAD conference, the Politics of Economic Inequality
URL: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/insight/2014/04/13/income-gap-issues-play-role-in-elections.html

THE (NEVER CHANGING) DEBATE ABOUT INEQUALITY (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Ben White
Publication: Politico
Date: 4/13/2014
Abstract: Review of Douglas Holtz-Eakin keynote address at CSAD's Politics of Economic Inequality conference.
URL: http://www.politico.com/morningmoney/0414/morningmoney13565.html

Conference Begins Talks on "Politics of Inequality" (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Chuck Martin
Publication: Mount Vernon News
Date: 4/10/2014



Associated Products

An Address by Lawrence Lessig (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: An Address by Lawrence Lessig
Abstract: Lawrence Lessig, Roy L. Furman Professor of Law, Harvard University, and Director of the Edmond J. Safra Foundation Center for Ethics at Harvard University, presents a lecture about political corruption.
Author: Lawrence Lessig
Date: 9/27/2011
Location: Brandi Hall, Kenyon College, Gambier, OH
Primary URL: http://www.youtube.com/kenyoncollegevideo#p/c/0/0kGPiTV3cWs
Primary URL Description: Videotape of Lessig's talk

Postdoctoral Fellow in the Center for the Study of American Democracy (Staff/Faculty/Fellow Position)
Name: Postdoctoral Fellow in the Center for the Study of American Democracy
Abstract: Kathleen Tipler was appointed as the Postdoctoral Fellow for the Center for the Study of American Democracy at Kenyon College, beginning Fall 2011. She is interested in contemporary and canonical political theory particularly democratic theory, judgment, and political agency as well as American politics and public law. In her dissertation, she considers how democracies might foster citizen judgment, examining the U.S. institutions of direct legislation and the judiciary, and interbranch relations.
Year: 2011
Primary URL: http://www.kenyon.edu/x58384.xml
Primary URL Description: Ms. Tipler's bio and link page on the Kenyon College site.

Protecting Civil Liberties in the War on Terrorism (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Protecting Civil Liberties in the War on Terrorism
Abstract: A round table discussion at Kenyon College's Center for American Democracy featuring the following panelists: Amos Guiora '79, Professor of Law at the S.J. Quinney College of Law, the University of Utah; Robert Strassfeld, Professor of Law and Director of the Institute for Global Security Law and Policy at Case Western University; David Tucker, Associate Professor of Defense Analysis at the Naval Postgraduate School
Author: Amos Guiora
Author: Robert Strassfeld
Author: David Tucker
Date: 11/9/11
Location: Peirce Lounge, Kenyon College, Gambier, OH
Primary URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YOtZjYDmPI&feature=youtu.be
Primary URL Description: Videotape of panel discussion on "Protecting Civil Liberties in the War on Terrorism" hosted by Kenyon College's Center for the Study of American Democracy.

Should America Promote Democracy Abroad? (Conference/Institute/Seminar)
Title: Should America Promote Democracy Abroad?
Author: Zalmay Khalilzad
Author: Elliott Abrams
Author: Nicholas Burns
Author: John Agresto
Author: Karan Bhatia
Author: Danya Greenfield
Author: James Zogby
Author: Al Hunt
Author: Judy Woodruff
Author: Scott Carpenter
Author: Anthony Cordesman
Author: Charles Kesler
Author: Michael O'Hanlon
Author: Tony Smith
Author: Nadia Diuk
Author: Morton Halperin
Author: Adam Przeworski
Author: John D. Sullivan
Author: Les Campbell
Author: Tom Garrett
Author: Melinda Haring
Author: David Kramer
Author: Jamila Raqib
Author: Larry Diamond
Abstract: Held over the course of three days, the conference took place on the Kenyon campus in Gambier, Ohio, and involved broad student, faculty, and campus participation. The conference included public panels and private discussions, with participants from a variety of fields: journalists, academics from a variety of disciplines, political actors, policy analysts, and representatives of non-governmental organizations involved in the work of democratization. Panels looked at the political, economic, and social aspects of democracy, as well as how or to what extent the promotion of democracy coheres with the principles and values of the United States. While recent developments in the Middle East made the conference topic timely, panelists considered a broad spectrum of regions and questions, including: What are the prospects for democracy in the Middle East, after the Arab Spring? Is it in America's national security interest to promote democracy abroad? What can we learn from experiences with democracy promotion outside the Middle East? What are the underpinnings or prerequisites of successful liberal democracies? What are the practical impediments to the further spread of democracy?
Date Range: April 12-14, 2012
Location: Kenyon College, Gambier, OH
Primary URL: http://www.kenyon.edu/x58399.xml
Primary URL Description: Conference overview with links to videos and speaker biographies, as well as schedule of events.

Debate: Ohio's 7th Congressional District (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Debate: Ohio's 7th Congressional District
Abstract: Kenyon's Center for the Study of American Democracy (CSAD) hosted a debate between the two candidates to represent Ohio's seventh congressional district: U.S. Rep. Bob Gibbs, the Republican incumbent, met Joyce Healy-Abrams, the Democratic challenger.
Author: U.S. Rep. Bob Gibbs
Author: Joyce Healy-Abrams
Date: 10/30/12
Location: Kenyon College, Gambier OH
Primary URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-z6AUggmQU&feature=youtu.be
Primary URL Description: Video of debate between U.S. Rep. Bob Gibbs, the Republican incumbent, and Joyce Healy-Abrams, the Democratic challenger.

Coming Apart at the Seams: America's New Cultural Divide (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Coming Apart at the Seams: America's New Cultural Divide
Abstract: Murray, an American Enterprise Institute scholar since 1990 and prominent libertarian, is the co-author of The Bell Curve (1994) and author of Losing Ground (1984), among others. His columns have been published in a number of magazines and newspapers. The Bell Curve, written with Richard J. Herrnstein, generated a lingering controversy based on its discussion of race and intelligence.
Author: Charles Murray
Date: 04/10/13
Location: Rosse Hall, Kenyon College
Primary URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9l6q7ChKyyw
Primary URL Description: Video of talk by Charles Murray, 1:28:00.

Rural by Design: Government Policy and Rural Sustainability (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Rural by Design: Government Policy and Rural Sustainability
Abstract: As part of Kenyon College's Rural by Design Conference, Director David T. Daniels, Ohio Department of Agriculture, discussed policy and rural issues.
Author: David T. Daniels
Date: 04/02/13
Location: Community Foundation Theater, Gund Gallery, Kenyon College
Primary URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkF7hFvLRNo
Primary URL Description: Video of Daniels' talk, 45 minutes.

Rights at Risk: The Limits of Liberty in Modern America (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Rights at Risk: The Limits of Liberty in Modern America
Abstract: Pulitzer Prize-winning author and former foreign correspondent of The New York Times, David Shipler spoke at Kenyon College's Center for the Study of American Democracy on the themes of his recent book, Rights at Risk: The Limits of Liberty in Modern America, including the challenges posed by the war on terrorism.
Author: David Shipler
Date: 02/05/13
Location: Community Foundation Theater, Gund Gallery, Kenyon College
Primary URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JJHmgmHksU
Primary URL Description: Video of talk, 1:14:43.

Martha Raddatz: From War Zones to the White House (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Martha Raddatz: From War Zones to the White House
Abstract: Martha Raddatz (P'15) was named Senior Foreign Affairs correspondent for ABC News in November 2008, after serving as White House correspondent during the last term of the George W. Bush administration. Ms. Raddatz has received four Emmy Awards, including an Emmy for covering the inauguration of Barack Obama. Ms. Raddatz is also the author of The Long Road Home: a Story of War and Family.
Author: Martha Raddatz
Date: 10/20/12
Location: Higley Auditorium, Kenyon College
Primary URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUbK_1cFf8Q
Primary URL Description: Video of talk, one hour.

The Tea Party and the Health of our Constitutional Institutions (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: The Tea Party and the Health of our Constitutional Institutions
Abstract: Kenyon's Constitution Day speaker in 2012 was Zack Space, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 2007-11. Mr. Space represented Ohio's 18th district, which includes Gambier. Mr. Space graduated from Kenyon College in 1983.
Author: Zack Space
Date: 09/20/12
Location: Community Foundation Theater, Gund Gallery, Kenyon College
Primary URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpdDIq7sdSY
Primary URL Description: Video of presentation, 1:08:22.

Stephen Moore: The Election and the Economy (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Stephen Moore: The Election and the Economy
Abstract: Stephen Moore is senior economics writer for the editorial page of the Wall Street Journal and a member of the Journal's editorial board.
Author: Stephen Moore
Date: 09/06/12
Location: Community Foundation Theater, Gund Gallery, Kenyon College
Primary URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tHO-j4xTHs
Primary URL Description: Video presentation, 1 hour.

The Politics of Economic Inequality conference welcome (Conference/Institute/Seminar)
Title: The Politics of Economic Inequality conference welcome
Author: Senator Sherrod Brown
Abstract: Senator Sherrod Brown's video message, kicking off the Center for the Study of American Democracy's 2014 conference, "The Politics of Economic Inequality."
Date Range: 4/8/14
Primary URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiQE45gp2nU

The Politics of Economic Inequality conference welcome (Conference/Institute/Seminar)
Title: The Politics of Economic Inequality conference welcome
Author: Senator Rob Portman
Abstract: Senator Rob Portman's video message, kicking of the Center for the Study of American Democracy's 2014 conference, The Politics of Economic Inequality.
Date Range: 4/8/14
Primary URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atXxyVYZn5Q

Douglas Holtz-Eakin: Keynote Address, The Politics of Economic Inequality (Conference/Institute/Seminar)
Title: Douglas Holtz-Eakin: Keynote Address, The Politics of Economic Inequality
Author: Douglas Holtz-Eakin
Abstract: Douglas Holtz-Eakin, former Director of the Congressional Budget Office and chief economic policy adviser to McCain presidential campaign. Introduced by Sean Decatur, President of Kenyon College
Date Range: 4/9/14
Location: Kenyon College
Primary URL: http://new.livestream.com/accounts/7106882/CSADopen
Primary URL Description: Center for the Study of American Democracy Video of Holtz-Eakin keynote address

Panel: Public Policy and Inequality; The Politics of Economic In (Conference/Institute/Seminar)
Title: Panel: Public Policy and Inequality; The Politics of Economic In
Author: William Galston
Author: Suzy Khimm
Author: Ross Eisenbrey
Author: Scott Winship
Abstract: Panel: Public Policy and Inequality 9:15am, Gund Gallery Community Foundation Theater William Galston, Brookings Institution Suzy Khimm, MSNBC Ross Eisenbrey, Economic Policy Institute Scott Winship, Manhattan Institute Moderated by David Rowe, Professor of Political Science Each panelist spoke about their perspectives on inequality—is it something we should be concerned about, what is the evidence, and what is the relationship between economic growth and inequality? Public policies, such as immigration reform and the tax code, illustrated some areas where common ground might be found.
Date Range: 4/10/14
Location: Kenyon College
Primary URL: http://new.livestream.com/accounts/7106882/CSADpanel1
Primary URL Description: Video of Public Policy and Inequality panel at Center for Study of American Democracy conference.

Robert Putnam: Inequality of Opportunity; The Politics of Economic Inequality conference (Conference/Institute/Seminar)
Title: Robert Putnam: Inequality of Opportunity; The Politics of Economic Inequality conference
Author: Robert Putnam
Abstract: "Inequality of Opportunity" • Robert Putnam, Harvard University • Introduced by Max Rappoport (’14) In his Wall Street Journal (April 15, 2014) column, “A Bipartisan Consensus on Income Inequality?” William Galston thoughtfully summarized Robert Putnam’s speech. He wrote that Putnam “spoke movingly about the differences between growing up in securely middle-class families and in families living on the edge of poverty.” Galston added: “It was impossible to come away from Mr. Putnam's talk believing that America's children enjoy anything like equal opportunity to succeed. But one could have reached a similar conclusion—and many did—from Charles Murray's 2012 book Coming Apart, which chronicled the decline of the white working class. Messrs. Murray and Putnam disagree on both diagnosis and prescription: Mr. Murray emphasizes cultural change as a reason for the decline, Mr. Putnam the collapse of the industrial economy. But on the level of describing the gap between top and bottom—qualitative and quantitative—they largely agree. In a country that cares about opportunity, that agreement matters.” This talk was the most popular of all the conference sessions
Date Range: 4/10/14
Location: Kenyon College

“A Bipartisan Consensus on Income Inequality?” (Article)
Title: “A Bipartisan Consensus on Income Inequality?”
Author: William Galston
Abstract: The Wall Street Journal 4/15/2014. Opinion piece on "the growing perception of the problem is progress, even if the parties remain divided on fundamentals," which emerged from the Center for the Study of American Democracy's conference, the Politics of Economic Inequality.
Year: 2014
Primary URL: http://www.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304117904579499790499812228
Primary URL Description: Wall St. Journal
Access Model: subscription only
Format: Newspaper
Periodical Title: Wall Street Journal

Panel: Global Perspectives on Inequality; The Politics of Economic Inequality conference (Conference/Institute/Seminar)
Title: Panel: Global Perspectives on Inequality; The Politics of Economic Inequality conference
Author: Branko Milanovic
Author: Charles Horner
Author: Ben White
Abstract: Panel: Global Perspectives on Inequality • Branko Milanovic, City University of New York • Charles Horner, Hudson Institute • Ben White (‘94), Politico • Moderated by Jan Thomas, Associate Provost and Professor of Sociology The panel addressed a range of global economic topics, including the gap between rich and poor countries, the rise of China’s middle class, as well as how economic policies in the U.S., such as free trade agreements, affect other economies around the world. Attendance: 80.
Date Range: 4/10/14
Location: Kenyon College
Primary URL: http://http://new.livestream.com/accounts/7106882/CSADpanel2
Primary URL Description: Video of panel discussion, Center for the Study of American Democracy

Panel: Public Narratives about Inequality; The Politics of Economic Inequality (Conference/Institute/Seminar)
Title: Panel: Public Narratives about Inequality; The Politics of Economic Inequality
Author: Ross Douthat
Author: Jim Tankersley
Author: Lizzie O'Leary
Abstract: Panel: Public Narratives about Inequality • Ross Douthat, New York Times • Jim Tankersley, Washington Post • Lizzie O’Leary, Marketplace • Moderated by Jay Corrigan, Professor of Economics This standing-room-only panel event highlighted challenges of reporting on economic inequality—from the concern that politicians dictate the terms of the debate to the depth of coverage. Douthat, for example, noted that narratives told about individual experiences with poverty don’t always discuss other ways that individuals are helped, such as the lowered costs of goods. Attendance: 150.
Date Range: 4/10/14
Location: Kenyon College
Primary URL: http://new.livestream.com/accounts/7106882/CSADjournalists
Primary URL Description: Video of panel discussion, Center for the Study of American Democracy

Austan Goolsbee: Inequality and the Market; keynote address at the Politics of Economic Inequality conference (Conference/Institute/Seminar)
Title: Austan Goolsbee: Inequality and the Market; keynote address at the Politics of Economic Inequality conference
Author: Austan Goolsbee
Abstract: "Inequality and the Market" • Austan Goolsbee, University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business, former Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers to President Obama • Introduced by Eleanor Ritchie (‘14) As a counterpoint to the Holz-Eakin talk the night before, Goolsbee argued that income inequality does exist and that government should intervene through such measures as education support, infrastructure investment, and tax reforms, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit. Both Goolsbee and Holtz-Eakin served as advisors to presidential candidates during 2008 and frequently faced each other on talk shows, making for a lively contrast in both talks. Attendance: 350.
Date Range: 4/10/14
Location: Kenyon College
Primary URL: http://new.livestream.com/accounts/7106882/CSADgoolsbee
Primary URL Description: Video of Austan Goolsbee keynote address; Center for the Study of American Democracy