WE THE PEOPLE
THE ROBERT H . SMITH CENTER FOR THE CONSTITUTION
Millennial Democracy
CENTER ENGAGES NEXT GENERATION OF POLITICAL LEADERS
The Robert H . Smith Center for the Constitution is investing in long-term programming designed to empower young leaders and highlight the importance of Millennial engagement . The programs draw inspiration from Mr . Madison himself , who was only 36 when designing and implementing the blueprint for a constitutional republic .
Recent programs hosted by the Center — the Montpelier Summits , State of the Constitution Lecture , and Millennial Engagement Summit — were designed to tap into the energy of the country ’ s most diverse and least politically-engaged generation .
We use the term “ Millennial ” to identify anyone born after 1980 who reached young adulthood in the early 2000s . It ’ s a generation characterized by technological proliferation , non-traditional thinking , and historically , apathy . According to a Pew Research study , though Millennials now have a share of the American electorate equal to the Baby Boomers ( 31 %), they punch below their proverbial weight when it comes to casting actual ballots . In fact , in 2012 , a mere 46 % of eligible Millennials said that they had voted .
Aside from voting , a recent trend indicates that Millennials are less inclined to seek positions in government . Doug Smith , vice president for the Center for the Constitution , explains that this is due to “ a lack of confidence in the legitimacy of government , translating into a generation of people who want to change the world but don ’ t think of themselves as government leaders .”
Montpelier is committed to changing the way Millennials view their potential positions in government . “ The program reinforced my passion for public service ,” says Spencer Moore , a past Montpelier Summit participant . “ My cohort showed me the power compromise can have .”
The burning question is : how do we continue to engage what will soon be America ’ s most influential generation to take an active role in government ?
Montpelier encourages Millennials to view tensions in government as an ode to its legitimacy , signifying that only the best ideas will survive . Through carefully curated programs , Montpelier is inspiring a new generation of leaders to wield their considerable influence by running for office , instead of from it .
Below : Steven Olikara of the Millennial Action Project ( left ) greets Senator Rand Paul ( R-KY ) ( center ) with Doug Smith , vice president for the Center of the Constitution , ( right ) at the State of the Constitution Lecture at the National Archives .
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