Examining Federalism, Law, and American Governance

As the nation approaches its 250th birthday, the U is launching a presidential initiative on federalism, law, and American governance.

The initiative will advance scholarly work on how free societies organize authority, balance power, and sustain democratic institutions over time. It reflects the commitment of President Taylor Randall HBA’90 to addressing enduring questions about human dignity, freedom, and civic responsibility.

“Universities exist to pursue enduring questions and to prepare students to lead in moments of uncertainty and change,” Randall says. “At their best, they provide space for rigorous inquiry into the ideas, values, and institutions that have defined the American experiment and will guide its future.”

The initiative will focus on public engagement, resource development, student programs, and platforms for open dialogue. Two S.J. Quinney College of Law professors, Paul Cassell and Jason Iuliano, will serve as co-directors.

E. Gordon Gee BA’68 (former president of West Virginia University, Vanderbilt, and others) and former American Enterprise Institute president Arthur C. Brooks will serve on the external advisory board. Gee will chair the committee.

“At a time of rapid technological change, global instability, and growing civic fragmentation, there is increasing demand for educational environments that foster careful reasoning, respectful discourse, and deep engagement across difference,” Gee says. “This initiative aims to address that demand by fostering inquiry into classical traditions and the human values that inform individual and collective decision-making.”

The effort builds on existing programs including the Honors College’s Intellectual Traditions courses and the Hinckley Institute of Politics’ public forums and Washington, D.C., internship programs.