Signing the Constitution, September 17, 1787

Civic and Economic Literacy

The Civic Literacy Initiative seeks to prepare graduates for informed and engaged participation in the civic and economic life of their local and national communities. To this end, CSLD sponsors events, workshops, symposia, and courses centered on these themes: protection of the natural rights of individuals, economic freedom and open markets, the rule of law, equal protection of the laws, constitutional rights and responsibilities, and the virtues of free and responsible citizenship.

Past Civic and Economic Literacy events and activities hosted by CSLD:

  • The annual CSLD Undergraduate Essay Competition , which invites students to engage with questions such as “Should there be limits to the presidential pardon power?” (2025); “Should the United States make military or national service compulsory?” (2021); “Are the goals of fostering freedom of speech on campus and of fostering a welcoming environment for all students incompatible?” (2016).
  • The annual Civic Literacy and Citizenship Symposium, which provides high school teachers and administrators with access to scholarly resources for teaching about the founding principles of the United States and Constitutional rights and powers.
  • Talks by Visiting Scholars, including:

Interested in supporting this initiative? See how you can help the Center.