Canceled | Conversations on American Democracy: The Great Leap & The Machinery of Democracy

When the colonies declared their independence in 1776, there was no concept of a United States of America. Instead, 13 disparate (and not always totally bought-in) colonies had to figure out not only how to fight a war against one of the greatest military powers of the age, but how to live together as a functional country and government. The debates about what that government should be continue until the present. Additionally, many of the ways that we interact with our democracy today come from institutions not included anywhere in our governmental documents. Examples of these, including political parties, campaigns, and conventions, are the result of traditions and practices developed over many years, and they profoundly impact our experience with governance and voting today.Through this guided dialogue, we will explore together the origins of American Democracy, what was or was not included in the initial draft of our core documents, and how those choices continue to impact our country, and our lives and experiences within it, today. We’ll also discuss the systems that mediate our interaction with government, and how we see those changing in the future.

• Parking: Free parking is located on Atlanta History Center’s campus, 130 West Paces Ferry Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30305. The entrance to the event will be the main museum entrance.
• Rideshare/ MARTA: MARTA bus route 110 stops along Peachtree Road, approximately 15 minutes walking distance from Atlanta History Center; rideshare should be directed to Atlanta History Center’s main entrance along West Paces Ferry Road.
• Accessibility information: ADA-compliant entrances and elevator access to the event space.
• Food & Drink: Meal will be provided, along with water and sweet/unsweet tea.