Over the past twenty-five years, American constitutional history has been de-emphasized in favor of "trendier" subjects at the nation's universities and colleges. As historian Gordon Wood has noted, "most universities have long since given up teaching undergraduate courses in American constitutional history, and most of those few remaining professors who do teach it are retiring and not being replaced with constitutional scholars” (New York Review of Books, February 23, 2006). Fewer college students than ever are studying the important role the Constitution has played in shaping American society. One result is a distressing level of constitutional ignorance among all American citizens. 

The Institute for Constitutional Studies was created to address this crisis. By helping to prepare young scholars and teachers, and by providing new resources to current faculty members in all relevant disciplines, the Institute seeks to make the study of the Constitution a regular and vibrant part of both the liberal arts curriculum and public life. The Institute promotes an inclusive, non-partisan approach to interpreting the Constitution and provides opportunities for scholars to develop and publish interdisciplinary research. Though based in Washington, DC, we serve scholars, educators and students across the country.

The Institute received pilot funding from the Supreme Court Historical Society and the National Endowment for the Humanities. We are now in the midst of a major campaign to expand our programs and secure a permanent existence in the nation's capital. In September 2005 we received a prestigious "We the People" challenge grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. This award will provide $1 million in support — but it requires us to raise $3 million in matching funds by 2009. 

These new funds will be used to supprt (1) a full-time Director and Deputy Director, (2) summer interdisciplinary seminars to help prepare new constitutional scholars, (3) regional seminars across the nation for college instructors with limited training in constitutional studies, (4) a Scholar-in-Residence program to bring leading scholars to the Washington area to conduct advanced seminars for graduate students and young faculty, (5) fellowships to graduate students in constitutional studies, and (6) an active publishing program.

Contributions to the Institute for Constitutional Studies at George Washington University are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Checks should be made payable to "The George Washington University" — but please indicate on the check that your contribution is intended to benefit the Institute for Constitutional Studies. Please include a copy of the ICS pledge letter with your contribution (or pledge of future support) and mail it to:

Maeva Marcus, Director
Institute for Constitutional Studies
The George Washington University Law School
2000 H Street, NW
Washington, DC 20052

You can also use your credit card to donate online at https://www.gwu.edu/online_giving.  Please remember to designate the Institute for Constitutional Studies as your intended recipient.