GW Experts Reflect on American Democracy at 250

May 1, 2026

Authored by:

Nick Erickson

In the grand scheme of the history of the world, the United States of America is still awfully young as it celebrates its 250th birthday in 2026.

And if it was in its infancy in 1776, then George Washington University Law Professor Mary Anne Franks suggests considering the country's current state as a period of "angry, prolonged adolescence."

"And adolescents can do terrible things," said Franks, noting a steady stream of tribalism, resentment and breakdown of social norms in what has increasingly become an emotional, reactive political culture.

Essentially, at 250 years old, the country is still growing up, and challenges facing democracy today are not necessarily new but part of a long, unresolved struggle over inclusion and identity.

Franks, the Eugene L. and Barbara A. Bernard Professor in Intellectual Property, Technology and Civil Rights Law, and History Department Chair Denver Brunsman examined U.S. democracy's past, present and future in a fireside chat with Columbian College of Arts and Sciences Dean Paul Wahlbeck during a gathering of alumni and friends on April 23 in Reston, Virginia.

The special GW community event, "Democracy at 250," was the fourth installment of a series that brought together GW experts to examine the forces shaping the American political landscape and subsequent effects of media, power and trust in democratic life. The other three events took place in Los Angeles, Palo Alto, California, and New York City.

From left, CCAS Dean Paul Wahlbeck, GW Law Professor Mary Anne Franks, History Department Chair Denver Brunsman and President Ellen M. Granberg. (Abby Greenawalt)

In introductory remarks, President Ellen M. Granberg underscored the university's role in fostering these important conversations, especially considering GW's proximity to consequential federal agencies and institutions.

"When I think about the ideas we're going to be talking about tonight, the ongoing debate about democracy and the role that power plays in democracy, I cannot think of a better university than GW to sponsor this," Granberg said.

In response to the adolescence analogy, Wahlbeck asked, "if you're the parent of this adolescent country that needs to be reined in, what is the prescription, and what should we do to help move the country out of [this] space."

While Franks joked that she didn't know who the parent would be in this scenario, she did note that there are moments from the nation's young history that indicate it is capable of evolving during times of unrest and uncertainty.

She referenced a lesser-known episode in American history where citizens rose up to prove that "We the People" meant something real.

In May 1838, Pennsylvania Hall opened as an abolitionist venue in downtown Philadelphia and was dubbed a "temple of free discussion," where antislavery, women's rights and other reform lectures would take place.

But it survived only four days. After word got out via flyers within the city about what was taking place inside those walls, arsonists burned the building to the ground. Franks mentioned this story-tragic as it is-because even though the building itself was reduced to ashes, the people who gave it life showed a commitment to ideas and opportunities for all people, even amidst loud opposition.

"I like to think about how we might capture that moment because that's part of our history too. It's something we can claim, and something we could try to make part of who we are," Franks said.

"I think this is a moment where we could really use that kind of stamina, that kind of bravery, that kind of courage."

During the fireside chat, History Department Chair Denver Brunsman pointed to periods in American history when the country extended its promise of democracy.(Abby Greenawalt)

Brunsman agreed that this particularly polarizing and chilly moment in time may serve as a general call to action.

In 1787, George Washington wrote to his nephew, Bushrod Washington, urging the ratification of the Constitution and argued that the power of government ultimately lies with the people. Building off that point, and Franks' Pennsylvania Hall reference, Brunsman noted that there are 27 Amendments-"patches to the system," he said-that do fulfill Washington's plea.

Brunsman then pointed to periods in history when the country extended its promise of democracy, with the first big one being Reconstruction after the Civil War and the subsequent 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments. Those were followed by the ratifications of the 17th Amendment giving the direct election of senators in the early 20th century, the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote in 1920 and then the 24th Amendment in 1964 that eliminated barriers suppressing voter turnout.

He reminded the audience that the last amendment, which prohibits members of Congress from raising their own salaries immediately, was ratified in 1992 but was actually part of the original amendments proposed in 1789. So, it's been since 1971-the 26th Amendment giving 18-year-olds the right to vote, that there has been a real ratification of consequence.

"And right now…getting two-thirds of Congress to agree on almost anything, and then three-fourths of the states-it seems a bit daunting," Brunsman said. "So, I think we do need this call to action. And it might not be a constitutional amendment-it might be an easier patch."

"But I do think those periods in American history where there has been an injection of democracy have been very helpful. And I think this might be one of those times."

Before the panel and the idea of reining in an adolescent nation even began, Granberg told the alumni in attendance that the GW community is doing its part to answer some of those calls in adverse times. She assured them that GW students are still as politically engaged as ever, even in tense times. She highlighted a recent debate between College Democrats and College Republicans where both sides cited U.S. Code in an argument about immigration, demonstrating the preparation and attention to detail-as well as civility-both sides brought to the table.

Additionally, Granberg spotlighted the launch of the university's new strategic framework guiding GW's academic, research and community impact goals that will address some of society's most pressing challenges, as well as the new Revolutionary Promise financial aid program offering free tuition to undergraduates with family incomes under $100,000, opening access to even more changemakers.

Vice President for Advancement David L. Unruh, who also delivered opening as well as closing remarks, agreed that GW plays a critical role in bringing theory to practice, fostering critical discussions and preparing students for leadership. He emphasized that dialogues such as Thursday's event fit the university's mission.

"It really showcases GW at its best, providing thoughtful, evidence-based insights to some of the biggest issues facing us today," Unruh said.

As the U.S. eventually ascends into adulthood, Thursday night made clear that the GW community will continue to play a part in raising it.

President Ellen M. Granberg delivered opening remarks to a packed audience of GW community members in Reston for the fourth installment of the Democracy 250 event. (Abby Greenawalt)