James Madison's Montpelier We The People Spring 2018 WTP_Spring_2018_FINAL_web | Page 20

WE THE PEOPLE
WHY THE CENTER IS IMPORTANT
Connecting the past to the present through the Constitution
The United States Constitution is America’s most
important founding document. Having a written
constitution outlining the basic rules and tenets of
our society provides a solid foundation that we can
return to as the starting point for all of our debates.
And we love our debates!
At the Robert H. Smith Center for the
Constitution, we help people gain a better
understanding of James Madison’s greatest
legacy. Everyone is capable of engaging with the
Constitution, especially with a little help. We
give people the tools to more fully appreciate and
understand its aspirations and encourage informed
debate, deeper involvement in democracy, and
continuous improvement to our nation.
The Center offers world-class educational
programs at Montpelier, while also offering
online courses with some of the world’s most
important constitutional scholars. Whether you
work in the law or simply want to strengthen
your understanding of our founding principles,
Montpelier is your starting point.
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The Center is also home to world-class conference
spaces and recording studios in Claude Moore
Hall. Since 2002, the Center for the Constitution
has trained more than 60,000 people from over
110 countries, including teachers, law enforcement
officers, young politicos, and international groups.
Participants from all over the world explore
constitutional theory, improve their understanding
of the founding principles of the United States, and
commit to deepening their involvement in democracy.
Every generation faces circumstances the Founding
Fathers could never have predicted, and we turn
to the Constitution again and again for guidance.
It has become clear throughout American history
that a deep, nuanced knowledge of Madison’s most
important work is crucial to improving our nation and
ensuring the proper function of our government.
The revolutionary ideas embodied in the Constitution
are as important today as they were over 230 years
ago. At Montpelier, we call on the past to inform our
future, and we hope you’ll join us on that journey.