Exploring the Pillars of American Democracy
As part of it commemoration of the US250 anniversary, the Georgia Historical Society has created Restoring Trust in American Institutions: History and the Foundations of American Democracy. Through public programs, published material, and educational resources, GHS explores our shared history in order to educate students and the general public about the vital role that democratic institutions play in sustaining a republican form of government.
View GHS resources that explore the historical origins and growth of the four pillars of American democracy: 1.) a free press and how media independent of governmental control has informed the American people, served as a marketplace for ideas, and held our government and our leaders accountable; 2.) the courts and the rule of law and how an independent judiciary has been essential to maintaining the separation of power and our justice system; 3.) the right to vote and how acceptance of election results and the peaceful transfer of power has been the sine qua non of democracy and self-government; and 4.) the U.S. Constitution itself and how our historic fidelity to that document and the system of government enshrined therein has maintained the world’s oldest republic and promoted freedom across the globe.