06
February 2025
Past Event
Faith and Freedom: Constitutional Law and Religious Liberty | Political Studies Policy Certificate Program

Program Schedule

 

Thursday, February 6: 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

 

Friday, February 7: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

 

Saturday, February 8: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

 

Sunday, February 9: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Faith and Freedom: Constitutional Law and Religious Liberty | Political Studies Policy Certificate Program

Past Event
Hudson Institute
February 06, 2025
(Getty Images)
Caption
(Getty Images)
06
February 2025
Past Event

Program Schedule

 

Thursday, February 6: 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

 

Friday, February 7: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

 

Saturday, February 8: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

 

Sunday, February 9: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Speakers:
rachel_mackey
Rachel Mackey

Fellow and Executive Director, Hudson Institute Political Studies

Nina Shea
Nina Shea

Senior Fellow and Director, Center for Religious Freedom

Charles A. Dana Professor of Political Science, Middlebury College
Professor Murray Dry

Charles A. Dana Professor of Political Science, Middlebury College

Religious liberty was already central to the United States before the nation formally existed. European settlers came to the new world in part to practice their religions freely. But the United States also explicitly rejects an established state religion. The US Constitution enshrines these principles in the Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses.

The Supreme Court has considered and reconsidered the combined meaning of these clauses in cases from Reynolds v. United States (1878) to Our Lady of Guadalupe School v. Morrisse-Berru (2020). And new cases are coming before the court this year.

Join Hudson to consider the nature of religious liberty, its legal history, and current constitutional questions. The program will also cover how religious liberty affects contemporary domestic and foreign policy.

Highlighted Seminars

  • What Is Religious Liberty?
  • Liberty and Disestablishment: The Origins of Religious Liberty in the United States
  • Religious Liberty in American Foreign Affairs

Click here to apply.

Program Overview

The Hudson Institute Political Studies Policy Certificate Program gathers talented early career professionals for advanced study of American foreign and domestic policy and national security, led by policy experts and experienced government officials.

Successful policy solutions combine strategic vision with nuanced understanding of complex problems. To this end, each of Hudson’s policy workshops covers a distinct region or topic ranging from military strategy and technology to energy security and criminal justice reform. Through rigorous engagement with the theory and practice of strategic policy planning, the program instills certificate candidates with practical knowledge of today’s most critical policy areas. The program is fully funded and takes place Friday to Sunday of select weeks at Hudson Institute in Washington, DC.

Please note that there is a separate application and admissions process for each workshop.

Seminar Modules

Through a series of intensive, expert-led seminar modules, participants learn the intellectual tradition, historical background, and political terrain of the policy area. By participating in policy analysis and critical discussion, candidates will gain new access to the topic at hand.

Simulation

During interactive simulations, participants test their skills of negotiation, strategic planning, and crisis management under expert guidance.

Keynote Dinner

At the Keynote Dinner, a distinguished speaker gives an off-the-record talk illustrating his or her approach to effective policy planning.

Capstone Project

Candidates will showcase their newly gained policy insight by completing their choice of an op-ed or policy memo. Projects are due two weeks after the end of the program and will be assessed by a committee upon the basis of their strategic soundness, original analysis, and grasp of the policy area. The quality of this project will determine if candidates are awarded the certification.

Eligibility and Applying

Applicants should meet the following criteria:

  • Undergraduate degree holder
  • Demonstrated expertise in one or more relevant areas 
  • Highly competent writer and researcher

Applications require a personal statement, writing sample, and resume.

Candidates participate free of charge. You can find further information and apply here.

Related Events
01
August 2025
Past Event
Peru’s Strategic Moment
Featured Speakers:
Diego de la Torre
Francisco Tudela
Marc Wachtenheim
Amb. Hugo de Zela
Moderator:
Daniel Batlle
Getty Images
01
August 2025
Past Event
Peru’s Strategic Moment

Join Hudson Adjunct Fellow Daniel Batlle and a panel of leading analysts as they examine what lies ahead for Peru and whether the country can convert its economic potential into lasting security and sovereignty ahead of its 2026 elections.

Getty Images
Featured Speakers:
Diego de la Torre
Francisco Tudela
Marc Wachtenheim
Amb. Hugo de Zela
Moderator:
Daniel Batlle
31
July 2025
Past Event
How Congress Can Rebuild US Shipbuilding and Boost Maritime Security
Featured Speakers:
Austin Gray
Capt. Christian Lee (Ret.)
Matthew Paxton
Scott Sloan
Mike Smith
Lawrence Ryder
Moderators:
Bryan Clark
Michael Roberts
DVIDS
31
July 2025
Past Event
How Congress Can Rebuild US Shipbuilding and Boost Maritime Security

Join Hudson Senior Fellows Bryan Clark and Michael Roberts for a discussion with government and industry leaders about the challenges the US Navy and Coast Guard face amid modernization efforts and how new legislation and regulation can help restore America’s maritime superiority.

DVIDS
Featured Speakers:
Austin Gray
Capt. Christian Lee (Ret.)
Matthew Paxton
Scott Sloan
Mike Smith
Lawrence Ryder
Moderators:
Bryan Clark
Michael Roberts
30
July 2025
Past Event
Gaza: Aid, Influence, and Information War
Featured Speakers:
Johnnie Moore
Michael Doran
Getty Images
30
July 2025
Past Event
Gaza: Aid, Influence, and Information War

Join Hudson Institute Senior Fellow and Director for the Center for Peace and Security in the Middle East Michael Doran for a conversation with Reverend Johnnie Moore, president of the Congress of Christian Leaders and founder of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.

Getty Images
Featured Speakers:
Johnnie Moore
Michael Doran
29
July 2025
Past Event
Other Approaches to the US-Canada Trade Impasse
Featured Speakers:
Hon. Ed Fast
Jamie Tronnes
Moderator:
Matthew Boyse
Getty Images
29
July 2025
Past Event
Other Approaches to the US-Canada Trade Impasse

Join Hudson Senior Fellow Matt Boyse for a discussion with former Canadian Minister for Trade and Economic Development Ed Fast, and CNAPS Executive Director Jamie Tronnes, as they explore a new path forward for US-Canada relations and what other allies can learn from the process.

Getty Images
Featured Speakers:
Hon. Ed Fast
Jamie Tronnes
Moderator:
Matthew Boyse