Discuss the state of democracy in the United States—Join Lake Forest College professors Dr. Jim Marquardt, Dr. Alejandra Lopez Villegas, and Dr. Zachary Cook for this exciting new community engagement series
The State of American Democracy
September 8 – October 13, 2026
Tuesdays, 6 – 8 p.m.
Two College-wide lectures are associated with this series: "The World Needs Leaders" with former U.S. Ambassador Jeff Flake on September 23, and "MLK and the Voting Rights Act" with Pulitzer Prize winning author Jonathan Eig on September 28. All course participants are invited to attend as part of this series.
Held at the newly renovated Glen Rowan House, this series explores both the constraints on democracy–such as recent democratic backsliding, the Constitution's roadblocks on majority rule, and the weakening of voting rights to name a few–and strategies to overcome them and enhance democracy in America. The opening and closing sessions will include a social reception featuring food and refreshments prior to class.
Both the educational content and social receptions will offer opportunities to build community, engage with College leadership, and learn more about ongoing campus initiatives.
Community
- Lifelong Learning
- Writing by the Lake
- Lectures at Lake Forest Place
- Office of Community Education
- Forester Elevate Program for Local Businesses
- VITA Tax Program
- Meeting and Event Facilities
- Upcoming Public Events
- MLS Courses Offered in 2026-2027
- Gym Membership
- Forester Athletics
- Hire a Forester
- Donate
- Campus Map
Reserve your spot
Registration fee: $250 for the five-week series.
Registration deadline: Tuesday, September 1
Participants are encouraged to attend all sessions, but full attendance is not required.
Series details at a glance
When
Five-week series held on Tuesday evenings from 6 – 8 p.m.
Dates: September 8, September 15, September 22, October 6, October 13
NOTE: The weeks of September 23 and September 28 will feature two lectures by former U.S. Senator Jeff Flake and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jonathan Eig . No class will be held on Tuesday, September 29.
Where
Glen Rowan House at Lake Forest College
500 N. Sheridan Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045
Who should attend
Open to all community members and alumni.
Cost
$250 for the five-week series. Participants are encouraged to attend all sessions, but full attendance is not required.
Learn more about the series
The United States is one of the least democratic republics in the world today. Anti-majoritarian institutions – such as the U.S. Senate (and its archaic filibuster and cloture rules), the Electoral College, extreme political gerrymandering, and the country's first-past-the-post, winner-take-all election system – impede majority rule. Democratic theorists agree that certain limits on majority rule are necessary to protect the rights of the minority and prevent the "tyranny of the majority." However, the problem with America's anti-majoritarian institutions is that they entrench minority rule, which makes it very difficult for majorities to advance their shared political interests democratically. This "tyranny of the minority" is problematic because it undermines the legitimacy of the American system of government.
Instructors
Jim Marquardt, Professor of Politics and International Relations
Alejandra Lopez Villegas, Assistant Professor of Politics and International Relations
Zachary Cook, Associate Professor of Politics
What you'll learn
- How to interpret the state of American democracy in relation to the past
- The different political changes and implementations that have led us to today’s political environment
- Specifics related to changes in voting rights, campaign finances, and the Electoral College
- Practical information on how to engage with politically-charged coverage and assessments
- An opportunity to learn about how the United States’ political environment has evolved and shifted