“Democracy is not an easy form of government, because it is never final; it is a living, changing organism, with a continuous shifting and adjusting of balance between individual freedom and general order.”- Ilka Chase, 1942
Two-hundred and fifty years ago, on July 4, 1776, the thirteen American colonies severed political ties with Great Britain, declaring themselves independent states: “Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” When the U.S. Constitution was ratified in 1789, this nation was established by a representative democracy where citizens elected officials to make decisions on their behalf and to represent the interests and opinions of their constituents. As President Abraham Lincoln said in his Gettysburg address, the United States established “a government of the people, by the people, for the people.”
The McLean County Museum of History, in partnership with The Dirksen Congressional Center, Not in our Town B-N, Prairie Pride Coalition, Illinois State University Center for Civic Engagement, YWCA, YMCA, Heartland Community College, NAACP, and League of Women Voters, will be engaging in a series of “Democracy Dialogues” to explore and debate four founding principles from the Declaration of Independence.
Each discussion will begin with a short presentation on the historical context of each phrase and why it was included in the Declaration. Program participants will then break into facilitated small group discussions to reflect on what these founding principles mean to them, how they have changed in our society since 1776, how they have been upheld, and what impact they still have on our nation today. At the end of each discussion, participants will be given information about how they can get more involved in our community and become more civically engaged.
All ages are encouraged to participate in any or all of the planned discussions, which will be held on the following dates at one of our partner organizations: Saturday, February 28 at 1:00 p.m. at the Museum- “Life and Liberty” featuring Dr. Matthijs Tieleman, Assistant Professor of History at Illinois State University; Saturday, April 11 at 1:00 p.m. at the YMCA- “Pursuit of Happiness” featuring Erik Rankin, Instructional Assistant Professor in the Department of Politics and Government at Illinois State University and President and CEO of the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation; Tuesday, September 22 at 6:30 p.m. at Heartland Community College- “All Men Are Created Equal” featuring Dr. Meghan Leonard, Associated Professor and Associate Chair of the Department of Politics and Government at Illinois State University; Thursday, November 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the YWCA- “Consent of the Governed” featuring Dr. Robert Bradley, Professor Emeritus of the Department of Politics and Government at Illinois State University.
Registration is encouraged but it is not necessary to participate. To register, visit https://bit.ly/Democracy1776.
A special kickoff event will be held in February at Illinois State University featuring veteran politicians who will be coming together for a dynamic conversation. Drawing on years of public service, they will explore the nation’s founding ideals, how those principles have shaped our history, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. This engaging discussion will set the tone for the series and a year of conversation, reflection, and renewed commitment to the promise of our democracy. More details will be coming soon about this unique event.
Questions? or for more information, please contact the Education Department at education@mchistory.org or 309-827-0428.