About the Program on Constitutional Government

The Program on Constitutional Government is associated with the Center for American Political Studies in the Department of Government at Harvard.  It was founded in 1985 by Harvey Mansfield and William Kristol, and guided since then by Mansfield and R. Shep Melnick of Boston College.  The Program promotes the study of the U.S. Constitution and its principles, combining the fields of political theory and American government.  It brings visiting professors to Harvard, invites guest speakers, and supports postdoctoral fellowships.  It seeks to improve the access of Harvard students to political debate by ensuring that the principle of diversity is not confined to favored classes of Americans but extended to political opinion—since it is the interest of all that both sides be heard.

The Program on Constitutional Government at Harvard is made possible by the Foundation on Constitutional Government and the generosity of our donors. The FCG produces educational initiatives including Conversations with Bill Kristol, an interview program featuring in-depth conversations with leading figures in public life, Great Thinkers, a comprehensive web resource devoted to the study of political philosophy, and web resources on contemporary thinkers including James Q. WilsonIrving KristolHarvey Mansfield, and more. Contact the Foundation for Constitutional Government here