On July 4, 2026, the United States will celebrate its semiquincentennial – the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
In honor of this milestone, the Harvard Kennedy School announced The Consent of the Governed: America at 250 and Beyond – a series of conversations exploring the past, present, and future of the American experiment.
The series, moderated by Jill Lepore and hosted by the Institute of Politics, will bring together a wide range of leaders in politics, culture, academia, technology, and journalism to discuss the core questions and challenges facing America as it celebrates its 250th anniversary. Among others, participants will include Pete Buttigieg, former Secretary of Transportation and IOP student president; Drew Gilpin Faust, 28th President of Harvard University and Arthur Kingsley Porter University Research Professor; Eddie Glaude, political commentator and Princeton University James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor; Bill McKibben, award-winning environmentalist and author; and Mitt Romney, former U.S. Senator, Governor of Massachusetts, and Republican nominee for President.
In a moment of uncertainty and change in the country, Professor Lepore and our distinguished guests will focus on themes of enduring and emerging importance to the American experiment, including:
- The forces of polarization, union, and disunion in American history and contemporary politics
- The origins, evolution, and future of American constitutionalism, the separation of powers, and the rule of law
- The importance of a well-informed citizenry to the health of a constitutional democracy
- The ways that government decision-making, environmental stewardship, and rapidly advancing technologies will intersect to shape America’s collective future
We look forward to having you join us for this series of important discussions.
