DATES
90 Minute weekly sessions
Thursday, October 7, 2021 - Thursday, December 9, 2021

LOCATION
TBD

Special Event

Congressional Fellowship in Constitutional Studies

This fall, the Cato Institute will offer its first‐​ever Congressional Fellowship in Constitutional Studies—a nine‐​week fellowship for congressional policy staff who are interested in the philosophical roots and practical applications of constitutional law from a libertarian perspective. Open to Capitol Hill policy staff of any party or ideology, lawyers and non‐​lawyers alike, the fellowship will consist of weekly receptions and discussions featuring experts from various fields of constitutional law. Discussions will be collegial, nonpartisan, and off the record.

Through readings, lectures, and discussion, participants will have an opportunity to explore core principles of the U.S. Constitution on issues such as the separation of powers, the constitutional implications of surveillance, and First Amendment case law.

Sessions will generally be held at a Capitol Hill–adjacent restaurant for 90 minutes on Thursday evenings from October 7 to December 2 and will begin at 5:30 or 6:30 p.m., depending on the congressional calendar. A final discussion will be held over a reception and dinner on Thursday, December 9. Participants are expected to attend no fewer than seven of the nine sessions.

Tentative Schedule

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7

5:30 – 7:00 PM

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14

5:30 – 7:00 PM

The American Theory of Government and the Role of its Written Constitution
Reception and discussion

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21

6:30 – 8:00 PM

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28

5:30 – 7:00 PM

The Federal Judiciary and the New Supreme Court
Reception and discussion

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4

6:30 – 8:00 PM

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10*

5:30 – 7:00 PM

The First Amendment and Free Speech
Reception and discussion

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18

5:30 – 7:00PM

Surveillance, Foreign and Domestic
Reception and discussion

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25

No Programming

Thanksgiving

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2

6:30 – 8:00PM

Personal Freedom
Reception and discussion

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9

6:30 – 8:00PM

Fellowship Conclusion
Reception and concluding remarks

* The sixth session will take place on Wednesday, November 10, to accommodate Veterans Day

To express interest in the Cato Congressional Fellowship, please fill out this short form no later than August 31, 2021. We will respond within two weeks of your expression of interest. Preference will be given to early submissions.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at GovAffairs@​cato.​org.

Note: The Cato Congressional Fellowship in Constitutional Studies has been designed to conform with House and Senate ethics requirements.