Many Americans are concerned about the current political situation...the anger, the depth of feelings and the hostility that infiltrates our language and attitudes, the tribalism, the lack of bi-partisan efforts and compromise, and the anxiety created by a government that seems less sensitive to the needs of a broader and complex American society. But this is not the first time America has experienced this...and this session will try to put “today” in perspective by exploring several times in our history when passion and partisanship also threatened our unity and stability as a Republic...and whether these moments are inherent in the constitutionally governed society as envisioned by the Founders.
