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Capitol attack: Where does American democracy go from here?
The U.S. Capitol building is seen at dusk

The U.S. Capitol at dusk.

  • Q&A

    • Capitol attack: Where does American democracy go from here?

    As the nation processes the unprecedented mob attack on the U.S. Capitol, many are wondering what happens now for America. Legal scholar Claire Finkelstein shares her thoughts on the siege and its effects on democracy.

    Kristen de Groot

    Inside election night 2020
    A hand is seen waving a small American flag as traffic zips by on a city street at dusk

    Election Night 2020 was an unprecedented evening. In a virtual panel, Penn students and faculty who worked on the Decision Desk at NBC shared a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges this year posed.

    Inside election night 2020

    During a virtual panel, Penn students, faculty, and staff who worked on NBC’s Decision Desk on Election night gave a behind-the-scenes look at the high-pressure night

    Kristen de Groot

    Whatever happened to the right to petition?
    The text of the First Amendment is printed on a granite block across from Independence Hall in Philadelphia.

    Whatever happened to the right to petition?

    Maggie Blackhawk of the Law School discusses the First Amendment’s right to petition, how the right was exercised historically, what it looks like in its current form, and why it changed.
    Elizabeth Warren’s take on the election and the path forward
    Woman with short blond hair, glasses, red cardigan and black t-shirt smiles during a Zoom call

    U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren spoke in a virtual event with Fels students on Nov. 6.

    Elizabeth Warren’s take on the election and the path forward

    The Massachusetts senator’s discussion with Fels Distinguished Fellow Elizabeth Vale was part of the Fels Public Policy in Practice series.

    Kristen de Groot

    ‘You Voted. But Did it Really Matter?’
    Peeling "I voted today" stickers

    In a post-election conversation, Mary Frances Berry emphasized the importance of pushing beyond voter engagement to policy change.

    ‘You Voted. But Did it Really Matter?’

    On Nov. 7, Pennsylvania’s electoral votes secured Joseph Biden the presidency. Anticipating news of a Biden win, Mary Frances Berry, Geraldine R. Segal Professor of American Social Thought and professor of history and Africana studies, called it a time to push forward for change with renewed force. 

    Kristina García

    After a contentious and highly polarized election, what comes next?
    stock image of the white house in black and white

    After a contentious and highly polarized election, what comes next?

    Constitutional scholar Rogers Smith shared his thoughts on how the election has gone so far, what might come next, and the challenges of addressing political polarization in America both now and in the future.

    Erica K. Brockmeier

    Law expert Kermit Roosevelt on the Electoral College and why America uses it
    Shape of the map of the U.S. comprised of small question marks.

    Law expert Kermit Roosevelt on the Electoral College and why America uses it

    As Americans await final vote tallies, who declares victory comes down to how many electoral votes each candidate receives. Roosevelt explains the Electoral College, and discusses Trump’s claim that he might take the election to the Supreme Court before all votes are counted.

    Kristen de Groot

    Election Day 2020 at Penn
    plane pulling sign that reads "Vote Today!"

    Election Day 2020 at Penn

    In a year beset by challenges, Penn is still showing up to vote.

    Lauren Hertzler

    Talking to your kids about the election
    Two handmade signs in a window that read VOTE NOVEMBER 3 and PLAN YOUR VOTE.

    Talking to your kids about the election

    Penn GSE’s Caroline Watts offers advice on how to realistically support children during uncertainty. “Don't try to pretend there isn’t uncertainty in the country,” she says. “Be reassuring. No matter what is happening in the outside world, you will take care of the family.”

    From Penn GSE

    Alexander Vindman on past events, future concerns
    Computer screen showing three people on a Zoom call

    Retired Lt. Colonel Alexander Vindman (top left) joined The New Yorker’s Susan Glasser and Perry World House Director Michael Horowitz (bottom) for a virtual event Oct. 29 called “For the People: Public Service in 21st Century America.”

    Alexander Vindman on past events, future concerns

    The visiting scholar spoke at a virtual event at Perry World House on the first anniversary of his testimony before the presidential impeachment inquiry.

    Kristen de Groot