Notre Dame Center for Citizenship and Constitutional Government

06/18/2026

We are thrilled to welcome Professor Graedon Zorzi to the University of Notre Dame as the CCCG's 2026-27 Visiting Scholar!

Professor Zorzi comes to us from Patrick Henry College, with an expertise in political science, religious studies, philosophy, and theology. While at ND he will be working on his forthcoming book "Modest Solidarity: Division and the Limits of Political Unity," teaching an undergraduate course in the Constitutional Studies minor, and hosting a weekend colloquium on religion and liberalism.

Welcome to the CCCG, Professor Zorzi!

Full details here: https://constudies.nd.edu/news/graedon-zorzi-appointed-as-the-center-for-citizenship-constitutional-governments-2026-27-visiting-scholar/

06/15/2026

In this week's summer reading list recommendation, Ph.D. Student Tony Maratea features two contrasting yet deeply rewarding works that examine historical and foundational ideas.

"The American Spirit" by David McCullough is a beautiful series of speeches celebrating American thinkers, places, and core principles—the perfect introduction to dig into history. The second book, "Collection of Essays" by Christopher Bruell is a more complex dive into the roots of ancient political philosophy, hand-picked by the author himself.

List

06/15/2026

On this day, June 15, 1775, George Washington was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army.

Prof. Stephen Knott discusses how Washington and Alexander Hamilton saw the grim reality of war firsthand. This firsthand experience with violence and chaos deeply shaped their views on governance—forging a philosophy that fiercely prioritized sober reason, constitutional order, and institutional stability over speculative idealism.

06/12/2026

Looking for a community to be part of at the University of Notre Dame? Look no further -- the CCCG would love to keep you in the loop about our programming; updates on our students, faculty, staff, and alumni; and opportunities for building camaraderie on campus and beyond. Sign up for our email list below to be the first to hear about our offerings:

https://lnkd.in/gjkqV-uQ

06/10/2026

The countdown is on! There are fewer than two weeks left to enter the CCCG’s Semiquincentennial Essay Contest.

As the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the CCCG wants to hear your perspective on the American Experiment. How do its principles shape your life, studies, or faith tradition?

Read the full prompt and submit here: https://constudies.nd.edu/academics/undergraduate-education/semiquincentennial-essay-contest/

06/10/2026

Greetings from London! Now that the spring semester has concluded, CCCG Visiting Fellow emeritus Carl Trueman is adventuring in Europe.

He might be standing right in front of Big Ben, but we love that he is still rocking his CCCG vest!

06/09/2026

"It was supposed to be a golden age... But instead, people feel lonely, scared, and kind of exhausted."

While dating apps and social media promise a "golden age" of connection, Christine Emba explores how a shifting cultural attitude has instead left many feeling exhausted and disconnected.

06/09/2026

“Americans are not powerless in the face of disinformation.”

Congratulations to Maria Eduarda Grill ’28, winner of the 2026 Publius Prize in the External Media Category. n her brilliant essay published by The Fulcrum, Maria breaks down how AI-generated content, recycled footage, and social media incentives distort public truth.

Read her award-winning piece here:

In Los Angeles this summer, immigration raids sparked days of street protests and a heavy government response — including curfews and the deployment of National Guard troops. But alongside the demonstrations came another, quieter battle: the fight over truth. Old protest videos resurfaced online a...

06/08/2026

"What is needed is courage..."

Congratulations to Liam Kelly ’26, winner of the 2026 Publius Prize in the Campus Publication Category. In his essay published by The Observer, Liam takes a deep look at institutional identity, the secularization of higher education, and the future of Catholic tradition at Notre Dame.

Read his award-winning perspective here:

Notre Dame is now at a time for choosing whether it will remain resolutely and unapologetically a Catholic university or if it will continue down the slow and lamentable drift of secularization.

06/08/2026

Next up on our Summer Reading List, CCCG Assistant Director Anna Bradley recommends "My Ántonia" by Willa Cather.

This is a deeply American novel that beautifully captures the courage, sacrifice, and pursuit of the American Dream. Stay tuned until the end of the video to hear her favorite line, a quote so powerful that it's engraved on Cather's tombstone.

Dame