Bridging Blocks | Democracy in the United States: 250 Years in the Making  

This year, the country is commemorating the 250th anniversary of our democracy. It is an optimal time to come together as a community and share perspectives on our progress and our future. 

Democracy traces its origins to 500 BCE, when the Greeks adopted Demokratia, or ‘rule by the people’. Ancient Athenians practiced direct democracy, where citizens voted and enacted laws themselves. In the United States, we live in a representative democracy, governed by elected officials. The phrase “We the People,” enshrined in the Constitution, aspires to balance power and ensure that the government serves everyone.

It begs the question: have we evolved as a nation? Is democracy still the most effective form of governance? How do you think this 3,000-year-old concept can evolve to meet the needs of modern society?

Join WHYY News Community & Engagement team for Bridging Blocks, a civic dialogue series in partnership with The Free Library of Philadelphia.

Host - Tony Cuffie Senior Manager Community & Engagement, WHYY News

Moderator - Brisa Luzzi Castro Community Convener, WHYY News

Bridging Blocks, a partnership between The Free Library of Philadelphia and WHYY, is made possible by a generous grant from Fred and Barbara Sutherland