Political Science | Penn Today

Inauguration Day: History, meaning, and significance

David Eisenhower, professor at the Annenberg School and grandson of the former president, offers his observations on the historic occasion

Drawing of a human standing on a pillar holding a book flanked by a Republican elephant and Democratic donkey against a background resembling scales of justice.

Rogers Smith on the heart and soul of America

As a scholar, the Christopher H. Browne Distinguished Professor of Political Science is perhaps best known for challenging the view that the U.S. is fundamentally, “in its heart and soul,” a liberal democracy.

Vote That Jawn written in bright yellow chalk on the sidewalk

Engaging in the election

In a collaborative English course taught by Lorene Cary in the fall, students shared their experiences with civic engagement by writing for publication, partnering with nonprofits like Vote That Jawn to share non-partisan information with other young first-time voters.

Outside of U.S. Capitol building at dusk with flag flying on flagpole.

Kermit Roosevelt on incitement of insurrection and the 14th Amendment

Penn Law’s Kermit Roosevelt explains the historical context behind Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, its relation to the current presidential crisis, and its constitutional limitations.

Our democracy remains intact, thanks to our courts, free press, and right to assembly

Kathleen Hall Jamieson of the Annenberg Public Policy Center wrote an op-ed about the durability of democracy in the U.S. amid polarization, disinformation, and other obstacles. “Individuals exercised constitutional freedoms, especially the mutually reinforcing ones of speech, press, petition, peaceable assembly, and the opportunity to vote—to bend the arc of the country’s history toward justice,” she wrote.

Confederate battle flag an unnerving sight in Capitol

Mary Frances Berry of the School of Arts & Sciences commented on the use of the Confederate flag during the breach of the U.S. Capitol. “To see it flaunted right in front of your face, in the United States Capitol, the heart of the government, was simply outrageous,” she said.

Does Twitter’s ban violate Trump’s free-speech rights? Likely not, but it raises questions about social media platforms, Philly experts say

Diana Mutz of the Annenberg School for Communication and School of Arts & Sciences said social media hasn’t enriched the quality of elected leaders’ communication with the public. “What gains traction on social media is outrageousness,” she said. “It incentivizes precisely what we don’t want in political discourse.”

Joe Biden could send a message to Black Americans with this reparations bill

Mary Frances Berry of the School of Arts & Sciences said President-elect Joe Biden should support a bill that will create a commission to explore giving reparations to the Black American descendants of enslaved Africans. “Given the role that Black people played in the election, getting him nominated and saving his campaign—there’s no reason they shouldn’t support this bill,” said Berry. “This is one of the best ways to make good on their promise to attack systemic racism and white supremacy and elevate the economic and social condition of Black people.”

The U.S. Capitol building is seen at dusk

Q&A

Capitol attack: Where does American democracy go from here?

As the nation processes the unprecedented mob attack on the U.S. Capitol, many are wondering what happens now for America. Legal scholar Claire Finkelstein shares her thoughts on the siege and its effects on democracy.

8 Pa. House GOP members to oppose Biden’s electoral votes

Seth Kreimer of the Law School spoke about challenges to the results of the 2020 presidential election. “I have taught constitutional law for almost four decades, and I do not believe I have ever before seen American officials reject the outcome of an election with such brazenness,” he said.

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