Pillars of Liberty

How does the constitution's design enhance liberty? The separation of powers, federalism, an independent judiciary, constitutionalism and the rule of law all work together to protect individual rights and freedoms and the proper functioning of republican government. The IGC will teach courses, sponsor scholarships, and create programming that focuses on constitutional liberty.

When Frederick Douglass escaped slavery, got a job, and earned his first paycheck, he marveled at the freedom he felt, knowing that he now controlled his own labor. Political freedom and economic freedom are tied together. The IGC will teach courses, sponsor scholarships, and create programming that focuses on the moral foundations of economic liberty. It will explore how economic and political freedom are tied together and what, if any, limits on economic liberty are appropriate.

We have the right to speak and to worship freely in America. From where do these rights come? How can we best protect them? What role, if any, does government have to regulate these rights? And how are these rights strong protections against bad government? The IGC will teach courses, sponsor scholarships, and create programming that focuses on liberty of conscience. Additionally, we have created a First Amendment law clinic to teach law students about the First Amendment and to show them how to litigate such cases by actually litigating such cases.

In properly functioning republics, schools are designed to educate the youth in ways that allow them to grow academically, to understand and appreciate the history and values of the country, and to protect parents' rights to raise their children as they see fit. The IGC will examine how we can best achieve those (sometimes competing) goals. How best can we educate children? What roles do patriotism and virtue play in education. How can parents best direct the education of their children?