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Painting of James Madison
News | February 25, 2025
February 25, 2025

With America in Crisis, Where Are the Institutionalists?

As the White House ignores judicial decisions, and Congress is increasingly lackluster in its willingness to exert its prerogatives in our mixed government system—this is the time for institutionalists to step forward, writes the Karsh Institute's research director.

Alexis de Tocqueville sketch
News | February 3, 2025
February 3, 2025

For Tocqueville, Oligarchy Threatens Civil Society and Solidarity

"Many have thought that declining civic health could be restored through a revitalization of civil society and a rebuilding of solidarity. A primary source for that perspective that is shared across the political spectrum is Alexis de Tocqueville’s 'Democracy in America,'” writes the Karsh Institute's research director.

Map of United States, with a space between each state
News | March 7, 2025
March 7, 2025

Federal Actions Could Lead to Unlikely State Allies

"The balance of power between the states and the federal government is a critical part of the design of our representative democracy, as important as the division of power and checks and balances between the judicial, legislative and executive branches of the federal government," writes the Karsh Institute's director of research.

Q&A graphic with Judge Griffith and professor Payvand Ahdout
News | March 10, 2025
March 10, 2025

From the Constitution to the Courtroom

In the first six weeks of the second Trump administration, there have been more than 100 cases brought before U.S. federal courts challenging policies and executive orders. What does the unprecedented speed and number of these cases mean for the future of American democracy?

Q&A with Jessica Kimmel Johnson and Laurent Dubois
News | February 5, 2025
February 5, 2025

Making the Case for Democracy

The Karsh Institute’s Laurent Dubois and Jessica Kimpell Johnson examine the moral and practical justifications for democracy, discuss how it can address the challenges of our time, and make the case for why—despite its imperfections—democracy remains the most compelling form of government.

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