The Future of US Democracy Friend or Foe? The US Supreme Court and American Democracy
- Date in the past
- Thursday, 29 January 2026, 18:15
- Heidelberg Center for American Studies, HCA Atrium, Curt und Heidemarie Engelhorn Palais, Hauptstraße 120, 69117 Heidelberg
- Prof. Dr. Emma Long, The University of East Anglia (UK), School of Politics, Philosophy and Area Studies
The US Supreme Court has been subject to increasing claims that it is endangering American democracy. Whether focused on the overturning of long-standing rulings, the handling of Court business, or the behaviour of some of its members, arguments that the Court is undermining the system of government and the Constitution have become more frequent. And public opinion polls show declining trust in the institution, possibly as a result of an increased sense of the Court as a partisan political actor. But how much of this is really new? Is this a moment of existential crisis for the Supreme Court or just history repeating itself. Comparing the current moment to historical periods when the Court was also under fire, this talk will consider the ways in which Americans have thought about and debated the role of the Supreme Court in protecting and threatening the conduct of American democratic government.
Address
Heidelberg Center for American Studies
HCA Atrium
Curt und Heidemarie Engelhorn Palais
Hauptstraße 120
69117 HeidelbergOrganizer
Event Type
Series of events
Talk
Contact
All Dates of the Event 'The Future of US Democracy'
Since its establishment over two centuries ago, American democracy has served as a beacon of political participation and societal progress – despite its historical imperfections. However, in recent years, it has faced significant challenges. Political polarization has intensified, the media landscape often spreads misinformation, and key democratic institutions are under pressure. This lecture series, organized by the Heidelberg Center for American Studies of Heidelberg University, examines the current state of American democracy, explores its most pressing challenges, and considers possible paths forward. How can the United States preserve and strengthen its democratic institutions to ensure a fair, responsive, and equitable society?