The Supreme Court Historical Society, in cooperation with the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area (CUWMA) George Washington University Law School, American History Association, Organization of American Historians, American Political Science Association and the Association of American Law Schools sponsors an Institute for Constitutional Studies. The Institute provides a national forum and a unique cooperative educational structure for the preparation and distribution of humanistic, interdisciplinary scholarship on American constitutional history. The Institute has supported, in part, by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

The Supreme Court Historical Society , in cooperation with the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area (CUWMA), with American University as host, has established an Institute for Constitutional Studies. The Institute provides a national forum and a unique cooperative educational structure for the preparation and distribution of humanistic, interdisciplinary scholarship on American constitutional history. The Institute is supported, in part, by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities .

Why Establish An Institute for Constitutional Studies?

The United States Constitution pervades every aspect of our lives as citizens. It informs the distribution of political power, the creation of law, the course of economic development and the very nature of our society. It is the oldest and most successful written covenant of government in history, revered as a symbol of liberty. As a nation, however, we possess a minimal understanding of its origins in history, its substance, and its effects on our polity and society. The Institute provides rigorous academic study and research and publishing opportunities for faculty and students currently not provided by our local colleges and universities.

More Americans must become aware of the structures and ideas underlying a free society in order to protect that freedom. Worldwide, many nations, especially newly emergent democracies in eastern Europe, Asia and Africa, look to the United States and its Constitution for guidance.

For more information, contact Dr. Maeva Marcus at icsgw@law.gwu.edu.