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

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.