Constitution Day Brings Students, Scholars, and Former Members of Congress Together for a Day of Civic Learning and Dialogue
The Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy marked Constitution Day with a full day of programming that brought together Detroit high school students, former members of Congress, constitutional scholars, the Wayne State community, and members of the public to explore the enduring importance of the U.S. Constitution and the democratic institutions it enshrines.
Presented as part of the Levin Center’s Congress 250 campaign, the day began with a Learning by Hearings civic education program in partnership with the Detroit Historical Museum. High school students from the Detroit Public Schools Community District participated in discussions and breakout sessions focused on constitutional principles, civic engagement, and the challenges facing American democracy today. Former U.S. Representatives Barbara Comstock and Dan Kildee joined students for conversations about public service, democratic institutions, and the continued relevance of constitutional government.
The afternoon program opened with remarks from Lance Gable, Interim Dean of Wayne State University Law School, and formed part of Wayne Law’s centennial celebration recognizing 100 years since the law school’s first graduating class.
We are in danger of squandering our political inheritance, of giving up on the idea of republican self-government through meaningful representation in Congress. It is worth taking risks to fight for that ideal. — Dr. Philip Wallach
The day concluded with the public panel discussion, Could Rebooting Congress Help Save American Democracy? Moderated by Levin Center director, Jim Townsend, the conversation featured former U.S. Representative Barbara Comstock, Professor Steven Winter of Wayne State University Law School, and Dr. Philip Wallach of the American Enterprise Institute. Following Dr. Wallach’s keynote remarks, panelists discussed Congress’s role as an institution of representation, oversight, deliberation, and compromise, and explored how strengthening the capacity of Congress could help build public trust in democratic governance.
By connecting civic education and public dialogue with our nation’s 250th anniversary and a celebration of our constitution, the program highlighted the importance of engaged citizens of all ages continuing to shape the American democracy.
