Zoom on Your Own/The Way Forward

This class is Zoom on your own at home.

The concept of freedom has evolved over the course of American history from the founding ideas in the Bill of Rights that citizens should be able to live their lives without government interference to the 20th century concept that people should be able to fulfill their potential--if necessary, with the help of government. Roosevelt’s Four Freedoms spoke to the contemporary version, although want and fear do not appear in the Constitution. Two obstacles have prevented the full realization of FDR’s vision and hinder those who advocate for it today, however: the persistence of 18th century beliefs with respect to property rights; and the structure of American political institutions.  

The U.S. system of checks and balances was designed to restrain the elected legislature, which the Framers understood from history would be susceptible to demagogues and mob rule. By dividing the legislature and empowering state governments, they inadvertently impeded Congress’ ability to act during times of emergency. Frustrated lawmakers and citizens turned to the presidency to lead. When crises passed, Congress typically would reassert its powers, aided by our state-oriented parties and independent judiciary. The parties today, however, have nationalized and are deeply polarized, and the Supreme Court has begun to empower the person of the president, while disempowering the executive branch. The essence of the American experiment for nearly 250 years has been preserving the best of our constitutional system, while adapting to the current needs of citizens and communities. The way forward is contentious and uncertain, but it must start with restoration of Congress and a more balanced exercise of power.

YOUR INSTRUCTOR: Linda L. Fowler is Professor of Government and Frank J. Reagan Chair in Policy Studies, Emerita, at Dartmouth College, where she continues to lecture and conduct research. Fowler specializes in American politics: publishing two books on congressional elections (Political Ambition: Who Decides to Run for Congress (Yale 1989) and Candidates, Congress, and the American Democracy (Michigan, 1993)), as well as numerous articles and chapters. She then turned to U.S. foreign policy with Watchdogs on the Hill: The Decline of Congressional Oversight of U. S. Foreign Relations (Princeton, 2015). She is currently publishing articles about the further decline of congressional oversight, most recently the loss of outside expertise in the national security committees. Fowler holds her BA from Smith College and MA and PhD from the University of Rochester. She received a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2005-2006 and multiple awards for research and undergraduate teaching.