On Monday, Oct. 24, Rep. Jeff Fortenberry joined a crowd of more than 60 attendees to share his ideas on democracy and answer questions. The event, called The Future of Democracy, was hosted by the Association of Students at the University of Nebraska (ASUN), the Department of Political Science and the Center for Civic Engagement.
Among the audience were political science majors interested in seeing Fortenberry and visiting Fulbright Scholars from Germany learning about American political ideology.
“I’m interested in the topic of the future of democracy and seeing Fortenberry,” said senior Donnie Earl. “I’m also interested in learning how Trump’s candidacy affects democracy.”
“I live within his district, so it is nice to learn a little bit more about Rep. Fortenberry,” said senior Bailey Heidtbrink.
Rep. Fortenberry was conversational, asking questions throughout his presentation and involving the crowd. In light of the upcoming election, Rep. Fortenberry opened by discussing the role of an election in a democratic system.
The congressman also discussed the philosophy of democracy founded in the Declaration of Independence and the impact globalization has on democracy. He quizzed audience members about the meaning of the U.S. Declaration of Independence, particularly the three rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; and how they relate in the twenty-first century.
After his discussion, Rep. Fortenberry answered questions from students, which prompted discussions on cultural fragmentation and the social fractures in society.
At the end of the dialogue, Association of Students of the University of Nebraska (ASUN) President Spencer Harman reviewed a handful of the student fees paid each semester to incite interest in the democratic process on campus. Hartman encouraged students to not only consider the future of democracy on a national level but at the campus and local level as well.