As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, this course explores a powerful and timely theme: even the Founding Fathers feared the new Republic might not last. Drawing from David Rasmussen’s compelling study The Fear of a Setting Sun, we will examine how early leaders who were far from being fully confident had deep doubts about whether the American experiment in democracy could endure.

The title references a remark by Benjamin Franklin at the Constitutional Convention, as he wondered whether the sun carved on the back of George Washington’s chair was rising or setting on the Republic. Today, as only 34% of Americans express satisfaction with how democracy is working (Gallup, December 2024), Franklin’s uncertainty feels more relevant than ever.

This course will consider Rasmussen’s insights in the context of current challenges: political polarization, national identity, and democratic decline.... and ask the urgent question: Can democracy imposed from the top down survive unless "We the People" choose to uphold it?