How much power—and what kind of power—should the federal government have over the states? This foundational question, first debated by delegates to the Constitutional Convention in 1787, will be the focus of an innovative program on Monday, Nov. 13 offered by the League of Women Voters of Greenwich (LWVG), together with the Greenwich High School Social Studies Department and the Harvard Club of Fairfield County.
Replicating his popular class at Harvard Business School and Harvard College, the event will be based on Professor Moss’ recent book, Democracy: A Case Study. The book applies the Harvard case study teaching method to nineteen pivotal episodes in American political history, from the drafting of the Constitution to the recent Citizens United Supreme Court decision.
The event will give participants an opportunity to put themselves in the shoes of delegates to the Constitutional Convention and debate a question that is still enormously relevant to our politics today: how far should the powers of the federal government extend? Those attending will read the short case in advance and take part in an illuminating discussion and learning experience. The League has organized the program with balanced participation between adults and high school students.
According to Deirdre Kamlani, League Board and Program Committee member, “We are honored that Professor Moss agreed to come to Greenwich to moderate this case. Our hope is that this program will encourage more cross-party dialogue and enthusiasm around political engagement, both of which are at the heart of the League’s work. We also plan to help scale the adoption of this program by League chapters throughout our state, and eventually, across the U.S.”
While many schools around the country are integrating Professor Moss’ cases into their civics and history curricula, the League plans to use them to create a series of community programs. The League’s goal is to encourage voters to recommit themselves to the process of informed and reasoned debate.
Greenwich High School’s Social Studies Department has partnered with the League to offer this program. Lucy Arecco, Bella House and Social Studies Program Administrator at the high school, was an early supporter of this collaboration with the League and the case study approach. She said, “We had three AP teachers attend a training session at Harvard in September, where they were instructed by Professor Moss and his team. They returned from that experience very enthusiastic about incorporating the cases into their classes.”
The event is being held at Greenwich High School in Room 900 starting at 6:30 p.m. Although admission is free, space is limited and early registration for non-school participants is required through Eventbrite at lwvgharvardcasestudies.eventbrite.com
If you are a student or teacher at one of the participating schools, you need to register directly with your school liaisons. Any questions can be directed to the League at eventsLWVG@gmail.com
