On January 20th, to commemorate the 2017 presidential inauguration, Texas State University sponsored a symposium entitled “Transitions in American Democracy.” Two Political Science spoke at the event. Dr. Ken Ward spoke on the importance of inaugurations for the American political system. He addressed different interpretations of the American founding, and the tensions between majoritarianism and republicanism. Dr. Michael Faber discussed the election of 1800 and the resulting transfer of power from Adams and the Federalists to Jefferson and the Republicans. This transition underscored the potential for inaugurations to have a healing effect after a contentious election. The event also featured presentations by faculty from the Departments of History and Mass Communications, and the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. It was moderated by former Texas Secretary of State and Texas State alumnus, Geoff Connor.
