Join legal scholar David L. Hudson, Jr. to explore how constitutional norms, civic habits, and unwritten rules shape political behavior, institutional legitimacy, and the resilience of democracy, from respecting judicial decisions to certifying elections and honoring long-standing practices. We’ll discuss these timely topics and share a classroom-ready lesson during the session on Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 6:45 p.m. ET. Register today.
Constitutional government depends not only on laws and institutions, but also on shared expectations, civic habits, and unwritten rules that shape political behavior. From conceding elections to respecting judicial decisions and preserving long-standing institutional practices, democratic stability often relies on norms that exist outside the constitutional text itself.
During this program, attendees will analyze how constitutional norms function within the three branches of government and evaluate the impact of civic culture on institutional legitimacy and the resilience of democracy. The session will investigate the emergence and evolution of these norms, as well as the consequences that arise when political actors contest or disregard them. To ground these concepts, participants will look at modern-day examples of institutional norms facing pressure, such as legislative procedures, judicial authority, and the certification of elections.
The session will also feature a classroom-ready Civic Inquiry lesson examining civic participation and voter turnout as essential components of democratic culture. Educators will leave with practical strategies for helping students distinguish between constitutional law and constitutional culture while considering the responsibilities citizens share in sustaining democracy.
HRE USA is a project of the Center for Transformative Action.