The Conversation: Supreme Court opens with cases on voting rights, tariffs, gender identity and campaign finance to test the limits of a constitutional revolution
The most influential cases before the U.S. Supreme Court this term, which begins on Oct. 6, 2025, reflect the cultural and partisan clashes of American politics. The major cases in October and November address the role of race in elections, conversion therapy and the Trump tariffs. Later cases include campaign finance and transgender sports. This […]
Dunn co-authors new report, Experiential Civic Learning for American Democracy–A Portrait of the Field
Institute of American Civics (IAC) Executive Director Josh Dunn co-authored a new report Experiential Civic Learning for American Democracy. Drawing on a first-of-its-kind national landscape analysis of existing civic learning programs, the report provides a clear, actionable framework for effective experiential civic learning—what it is, why it matters, and how to do it well. At a […]
UT’s Institute of American Civics to host 125 teachers for TN Civics Academy
In a major initiative to strengthen civic education across the state, the Institute of American Civics at the University of Tennessee will host the Tennessee Civics Academy, a two-day professional development workshop welcoming 125 high school teachers from 85 schools across 36 counties. Held in Knoxville on June 24 and 25, the program will immerse […]
IAC’s Busch’s “The Comeback” Details National Election
Marking more than 30 years of insightful political analysis, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Professor and Institute of American Civics Associate Director Andrew E. Busch and co-author John J. Pitney Jr. offer a definitive account of the 2024 election in their newly released book, The Comeback (Bloomsbury, 2025). “The election of 2024 was both highly unusual […]
Ambassador A.B. Culvahouse Speaks at Cumberland University Commencement
Over the weekend, Ambassador A.B. Culvahouse delivered an inspiring address as the keynote speaker for Cumberland University’s 2025 undergraduate commencement ceremony. He shared personal stories, reflections on public service, and a powerful message about leadership, civic responsibility, and national unity. His speech challenged graduates to embrace diverse perspectives and reinforced their readiness as they enter […]
The Institute of American Civics Inspires 59 Students to Explore Civil Liberties During Annual Tennessee History Day Competition
Knoxville, TN (May 8, 2025) – Recently, 217 students from across Tennessee participated in the 2025 Tennessee History Day Competition. Fifty-nine students chose to focus their projects on American Constitutional Liberties to be considered for a special award presented by the Institute of American Civics (IAC) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The annual competition […]
Dunn Appointed to the National Commission on American History and Civic Education
The Institute of American Civics (IAC) Executive Director Josh Dunn has been appointed to the National Commission on American History and Civic Education by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA). The appointment gives him the opportunity to contribute to a coordinated effort to strengthen the civic health of our nation. The commission will […]
Constitution Day with Yale Professor of Law Keith Whittington
In celebration of Constitution Day, the Institute of American Civics (IAC) at the Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs (Baker School) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, hosted Keith Whittington, the David Boies Professor of Law at Yale Law School. Whittington’s teaching and scholarship span American constitutional theory, American political […]
The Baker School and IAC’s mission goes hand in hand with Tennessee’s Youth in Government Programs
Baker School freshman Rami Ammar discovered his passion for politics and policy through Youth in Government (YIG), starting in 7th grade and participating in the program through high school. “I initially got involved to better grasp policy’s impact on our lives,” Ammar said. Which is exactly what YIG aims to do, giving middle and high […]