Event Recap for The American Congress: Legal Implications of Gridlock

About

At a time when political stalemates have become the norm, and mudslinging replaces problem solving, the 2012–13 Notre Dame Forum, “A More Perfect Union: The Future of America’s Democracy” challenges us to reflect on ways to bring positive change to our nation’s democratic system, leading to solutions for our nation’s most pressing problems.

Established by University President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., in 2005, the Notre Dame Forum has brought leading authorities to campus to discuss substantive issues of the day. Past forum topics have included immigration, sustainability, global health, K-12 education and the role of religious faith in a plural world.

Events

Fri Nov 16, 2012

Symposium

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Location: Eck Hall of Law, The Law School

Former U.S. Congressman, Thomas Allen, will serve as the keynote speaker at this symposium hosted by the Notre Dame Law Review. The Symposium will focus broadly on congressional gridlock, exploring various aspects of the issue from partisanship and civility to the utilization of the appropriations process to legislate.

Mon Sep 17, 2012

An Uncommon Search for the Common Good

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Location: Carey Auditorium, Hesburgh Library

_The Annual Fr. Bernie Clark Lecture on Catholic Social Tradition_ A common good is a vision, a vision of public virtue which engages the individual citizen, guides the energies of the government, shapes the public system and points the public direction in all of its policies, in all its institutions and in all of its legislative intents. It is the answer to the question: What is it that we want for this country? What is it that we perceive to be good for everyone, and how should we go about getting it? "An Uncommon Search for the Common Good" presents the historical difficulties defining the common good through the lens of the spiritual tradition of the Beatitudes.

Mon Sep 10, 2012

From Battleground To Common Ground: The Role of a Catholic University in Changing the Tenor of Political Discourse

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Location: Andrews Auditorium, Geddes Hall

Fifty years after Pope John XXIII issued Pacem in Terris, this important encyclical continues to be relevant, calling for right and respectful relationships among individuals, societies, and nations. This panel discussion will introduce Pacem in Terris and its implications for civil discourse today, challenging the campus community to engage in respectful dialogue and shared action on issues about which they care deeply, promoting a global citizenship that positively advances the common good.

Tue Sep 4, 2012

Conviction & Compromise: Being a Person of Faith in a Liberal Democracy

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Location: Leighton Concert Hall, DeBartolo Performing Arts Center

The 2012-13 Notre Dame Forum begins with a panel featuring prominent religious leaders addressing the role of faith in American democracy. The panelists will address questions like:

  • How can people of faith reconcile religious conviction with politics, which is often described as the “art of compromise?”
  • Should voters take a candidate’s religion into account when casting their ballot?
  • How should elected officials apply their faith when making policy?
  • How does religious diversity affect our national understanding of religion’s role in both politics and government?

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