American Idea Conference

The Constitution Is Inherently Progressive Article

The Constitution Is Inherently Progressive

John Podesta and John Halpin on how the values in the Constitution are those that both progressives and conservatives should cherish and protect.

Oct 11, 2011

John Podesta, John Halpin

The Origins and Evolution of Progressive Economics Report

This January 1935 photo shows a mural depicting phases of the New Deal. (AP/File)

The Origins and Evolution of Progressive Economics

Ruy Teixeira and John Halpin examine several core assumptions that broadly define a progressive approach to economics in terms of theory, values, and practice.

Mar 14, 2011

Ruy Teixeira, John Halpin

Universal Human Rights in Progressive Thought and Politics Report

First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt holds a copy of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. (UN Photo)

Universal Human Rights in Progressive Thought and Politics

John Halpin, William Schulz, and Sarah Dreier explore the origins of human rights principles and how they fit into progressivism.

Oct 8, 2010

John Halpin, William F. Schulz, Sarah Dreier

The Role of Faith in the Progressive Movement Report

House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI) speaks about the FY 2014 budget resolution during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, March 12, 2013. (AP/Carolyn Kaster)

The Role of Faith in the Progressive Movement

Marta Cook and John Halpin examine the religious roots of progressivism.

Oct 8, 2010

Marta Cook, John Halpin

The Progressivism of America’s Founding Report

Progressives throughout history have venerated the ideals of America’s Founding, particularly as expressed in the Declaration of Independence (the presentation of which is pictured above) and the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution. (John Trumbull/Public Domain)

The Progressivism of America’s Founding

Part five of the Progressive Tradition Series examines the relationship between progressivism and America's founding.

Oct 8, 2010

Conor P. Williams, John Halpin

The Progressive Intellectual Tradition in America Report

The National Progressive Convention in Chicago is seen on August 6, 1912. As a philosophical tradition, progressivism in its most complete form developed as a “new liberalism” for a new century—updating the American liberal tradition from its Jeffersonian, small-government, republican roots best suited for the agrarian economy of the nation’s founding era to a more democratic and modern liberalism capable of checking rising corporate power. (Library of Congress)

The Progressive Intellectual Tradition in America

Part one of the Progressive Tradition Series examines the philosophical and theoretical development of progressivism as a response to the rise of industrial capitalism.

Apr 14, 2010

John Halpin, Conor P. Williams

Social Movements and Progressivism Report

Students from North Carolina A&T College stage a sit-down strike after being refused service at a luncheon counter in February 1960. The seeds of the great civil rights triumphs of the 20th century came from within progressivism itself. (Library of Congress)

Social Movements and Progressivism

Part three of the Progressive Tradition Series examines the influence of social movements for equality and economic justice on the development of progressivism.

Apr 14, 2010

John Halpin, Marta Cook

The Progressive Tradition in American Politics Report