Resilient Democracies
Freedom of the press and a healthy information ecosystem. The rule of law. Free and fair elections. Government of the people, by the people, and for the people. Separation of powers. Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. Freedom of expression. A healthy multi-party system. These are fundamental aspects of our democracy, and they require work, reform, and commitment to uphold them.
At a time of growing threats to our democratic institutions and growing fractures in our society, the Ford School honors the legacy of our namesake president with an initiative designed to bring people together across differences, uncover and elevate practices that make democracies strong, and rebuild key democratic norms.
Resilient Democracies is a Ford School initiative that includes a best-in-class, innovative expansion of democracy-based curriculum and research, civic engagement opportunities, and public events to help us meet this urgent moment, and help shape a more peaceful nation and just world.
The right to vote is at the very foundation of our American system and nothing must interfere with this very precious right.”
President Gerald R. Ford, for whom our school is named, extended the 1965 Voting Rights Act in 1975
Jenna Bednar
Speakers on democracy
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Stacey Abrams: American Democracy (Dean's Symposium) Apr 12, 2024
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The State of Democracy around the World (Dean's Symposium) Apr 12, 2024
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Jake Tapper - Democracy in Crisis: Views from the Press Nov 3, 2023
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Restoring confidence in our democracy Jan 12, 2023
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Whitmer and Wallace: Fireside chat Mar 8, 2023
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Jeb Bush: American democracy - The path forward Mar 24, 2022