Academy Talks

Balancing Individual Interests and the Common Good

democracy

Americans find themselves in the grip of a global pandemic and climate crisis as well as racial and economic inequality—big problems that can only be addressed through government leadership and citizen participation. There is an inherent tension in the U.S. Constitution between “the general welfare” and “the blessings of liberty.” In the face of these seemingly opposite propositions, how can American democracy support solutions for such significant problems?

Watch the Wisconsin Academy’s final Roots of Democracy Series discussion with all of our series panelists, who explore the tension between individual interests and the common good in the American constitution.

View a transcript of the recording

Thanks to Academy donors, members, and the following Roots of Democracy series sponsors and partners:

 
 
The Roots of Democracy series is funded in part by a grant from Wisconsin Humanities, with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the State of Wisconsin. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this project do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Wisconsin Humanities strengthens the roots of community life through educational and cultural programs that inspire civic participation and individual imagination.

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