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Civics

The influence and importance of language
A person in an American flag outfit and bandana carrying an American flag in front of a large group of people at the U.S. Capitol building. Many hold flags that read "Trump 2020."

On Jan. 6 2021, a group of Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol building, resulting in the death of five people. (Image: Tyler Merbler)

The influence and importance of language

Labels for what happened Jan. 6 at the U.S. Capitol were very different from those used to describe the Black Lives Matter movement or the 2020 election results. How much weight do individual words actually have? It depends on the context.

Michele W. Berger

The state of U.S. democracy
the capitol building in washington dc

While a new administration transitions into office, the past four years have left the country asking, “How strong is our democratic foundation?”

The state of U.S. democracy

On the eve of a presidential inauguration following a historic election and its aftermath, experts from across the University weigh in on where we stand as a country.

Brandon K. Baker , Michele W. Berger , Kristen de Groot , Kristina Linnea García , Dee Patel , Louisa Shepard

Joe Biden’s longtime ties to Penn
Biden speaking in his offie at the Penn Biden Center

Joe Biden’s longtime ties to Penn

As the nation prepares for its 46th president to take office Wednesday, Jan. 20, Penn Today reflects on the lasting impact he’s had at the University.

Lauren Hertzler

Kermit Roosevelt on incitement of insurrection and the 14th Amendment
Outside of U.S. Capitol building at dusk with flag flying on flagpole.

Kermit Roosevelt on incitement of insurrection and the 14th Amendment

Penn Law’s Kermit Roosevelt explains the historical context behind Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, its relation to the current presidential crisis, and its constitutional limitations.

From Penn Carey Law

How teachers can talk about violence at the Capitol
Handmade drawing of the U.S. Capitol building.

How teachers can talk about violence at the Capitol

Sigal Ben-Porath outlines a strategy for discussing the historic events with students according to grade and knowledge levels, focusing on the facts of what happened and why it matters.

From Penn GSE

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

The U.S. Capitol at dusk.

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