Quarter Millennial Project

On July 4, 2026, the United States of America will celebrate the 250th anniversary of its founding. This historic moment offers a chance to contemplate the remarkable trajectory of our nation. What began as an audacious endeavor to create a country rooted in an idea, “that all men are created equal” has produced one of the most powerful and influential nations in human history. That trajectory was not guaranteed. It was forged over time, preserved—sometimes in blood—and built by Americans of all stripes. The 250th anniversary serves as an occasion to reflect on and learn from our trials and tribulations while celebrating the nation’s historic achievements. In keeping with our founding ethos of applying the lessons of history to the challenges of today, the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress is embarking on a 2-year project to examine the roots of America’s success, highlight unsung heroes in our history, and generate excitement around the 250th anniversary. Through events, digital content, and publications, we will examine two key features of the nation’s evolution, innovation and democratic resilience, to help explain this country’s path to success over the last 250 years.

Innovation

 Embedded in the fabric of American identity is a relentless spirit of exploration and innovation. From the westward expansion of the nation’s early pioneers to the technological advancements of the digital age, the United States has continually pushed the boundaries of possibility. With support from the Richard Lounsbery Foundation, the Center is forging ahead on a program to celebrate and explore American innovation as the foundation for the country’s prosperity. In commemorating our technical and scientific feats over the last 250 years, we aim to explore the key drivers of American innovation, spread awareness of historic accomplishments, and illuminate the road ahead to propel an equally innovative future.

Democratic Resilience

The endeavor to form and uphold a republic has continually tested our body politic, necessitating American resourcefulness, ingenuity, and imagination. Modern day challenges to our democracy are reflected throughout American history. Yet, time and again, our democracy has proven resilient. In the early years of the Republic, a group of visionary statesmen convened to draft the Constitution to avert the young nation’s economic collapse. At the outset of this seminal document, the participating delegates articulated their ambition to forge a "more perfect Union," by abolishing the Articles of Confederation to build a stronger and more unified central government. The Constitution in both content and structure affirmed the evolving nature of American democracy. It is a foundational example of reforming our democratic infrastructure to meet the changing needs of the nation. Further efforts were required to fully meet that original ideal that “all men are created equal.” The Seneca Falls Convention of 1848 and the passage of the Voting Rights Act in 1965 stand as enduring symbols of ongoing endeavors to ensure that the American government truly represents, serves, and empowers all its people.

Today, the scourge of hyper partisanship presents a new challenge to our democratic system. Reform efforts are under way in states and localities across the country offering an antidote to our highly charged political environment. As this project considers the past, present, and future of American democracy, we will explore the role electoral reforms can play in fortifying our democracy and fostering a more effective and better functioning government that rewards political compromise.