My name is Cade Hamm, and I am a High School Student. The goal of this project is to examine challenges to modern American Democracy, and how our political figures either uphold, or go against democratic frameworks and institutional norms. We are in an era of increasing political polarization and declining public trust. My Goal is to look at these issues not as ideas, but as political structures that have been lived in shaped by the work of intellectuals, the media, rhetoric, law, and civic behavior.

The essays published are analyses of contemporary events through a historical and comparative lens, with an emphasis on maintaining democratic health. Instead of commentary, the essays seek to offer an understanding of long term trends and how they are situated within modern developments.

It is important to acknowledge that my work is based on the assumption that liberal, democratic forms of government are the most effective and worth preserving. This means most issues will be approached from a generally left-leaning perspective. However, this ideology does not determine my opinions and will not impact the objectivity of facts and trends I cite or reference. Analysis will be based in research and my views are always open to revision.