Larry Sabato
A More Perfect Constitution

starThe University of Virginia Center for Politics

www.centerforpolitics.org

The Center for Politics is an interdisciplinary, nonpartisan unit of the University of Virginia dedicated to the proposition that government works better when politics works better and its corollary that politics works better when citizens are informed and active participants.

People often think of politics as thwarting the proper function of government. However, politics need not be viewed so negatively. The political nature of American government is not to be deplored or regretted. To the contrary, the Center views politics as human nature writ large with mankind's virtues, not just vices, larger than life, and as a system well designed by the Founders to enlarge the virtues and contain the vices. Politics is the glue that holds together the most diverse democracy on the face of the earth, counteracting the centrifugal forces that can potentially tear the nation apart. Politics is the oil that lubricates the creaky machinery of bureaucracy to make it more responsive. Therefore, rather than the derogatory term it is often depicted as being, the Center embraces politics in its motto "Politics is a Good Thing!"
 
The Center for Politics was founded in 1998 by UVA professor and author Larry J. Sabato at the University of Virginia and perpetuates the legacy of Thomas Jefferson who said, "I know of no safe depository of the ultimate powers of society but the people themselves, and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them but to inform their discretion."
 
The Center for Politics receives financial support from private-sector donors, foundations, corporations, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the federal government.

 
Goals:
 
Serve as a leading academic institution on American politics and political engagement

Seek and evaluate best practices in politics and civic education

Develop and promote classroom resources in politics and civic education for elementary,           secondary, and higher education

Raise awareness and understanding of politics through events, research and publications

Provide comprehensive educational resources on politics and civic education for students,          teachers, journalists, elected officials, and the general public


Center Programs and Activities:
 
Youth Leadership Initiative

American Democracy Conference

National Symposium Series

Virginia Political History Project

Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball

Debates, Lectures and other public events





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Larry J. Sabato
Director of the UVA Center for Politics and
author of
A More Perfect Constitution
Why The Constitution Must Be Revised:
Ideas To Inspire A New Generation

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