By Study & By Faith
Why Institutions Matter
Institutions should be formative not performative, providing structure and purpose. Strengthening them will combat America's social crisis.
Utah and the Constitution: A New National Narrative
Amar explores and explains several historical narratives of the US constitution and how Utah relates to those developments.
Overcoming Political Tribalism
Amy Chua shares insight about why political tribalism exists and then suggests how we might move forward toward a brighter future.
Democracy Through Jazz
Marcus Roberts and The Modern Jazz Generation pair up with BYU professor Gregory Clark to perform music and discuss democracy through the lens of jazz.
Creating Justice
Bryan Stevenson shares four ways to create justice—through proximity, narrative change, hope, and doing what’s uncomfortable.
The Necessity of Political Parties and the Importance of Compromise
Political parties are an important and necessary part of our democracy. Citizens and politicians need to be involved and learn to compromise effectively.
The Hard Work of Understanding the Constitution
Though understanding the Constitution can be complex, it is the responsibility of each citizen to read and analyze this document closely.
On the Moral Purposes of Law and Government
As we move into a secular age, we cannot overlook the importance of government's moral purposes, which include the protection of life and family.
The Supreme Court and the U.S. Constitution
Chief Justice John G. Roberts reflects on the Constitution—separation of powers, We the People, judicial restraint, and civic virtue.
Presidential Power
The text for this speech is unavailable. Please see our FAQ page for more information.
The Vanishing Voter and Other Challenges to Representative Democracy
David B. Magleby addresses the importance of participation in the election process and the problems for our democracy associated with the "vanishing voter."
Democracy at Century’s End
University of Chicago's Jean Bethke Elshtain calls for greater social responsibility and civic engagement to preserve the democracy we cherish.
Elections: American Style
David B. Magleby shares interesting insights on the uniqueness, strengths, weaknesses, and trends of the American elections process.
The Constitution and the Restoration
President Lee unfolds the story and attributes of the U.S. Constitution and its significance for Latter-day Saints seeking to be good citizens.
At Their Most Enlightened and Alert
George Washington, one of the "wise men" the Lord raised up to lead the US, is commemorated. Our leaders reflect our own enlightened state.
The Constitution—A Heavenly Banner
The Constitution of the United States is divinely inspired. We ought to learn of it, to be grateful for it, and to defend it.
Gospel Concepts
As we base our behavior on gospel concepts, we will find that our lives are much richer than those that are founded in the faulty concepts of men.
A Vision and a Hope for the Youth of Zion
Learn to live the law of consecration, a celestial law—not to be confused with communism and socialism, which take away agency.
The Presidency: A View from the White House
Roger B. Porter shares his personal experiences of working in the White House.
Power, Separation, Use, Respect, and Restraint
Increasing influence of the Supreme Court on national policy is one example of a delicate balance in the separation of powers in U.S. law and government.
Political Thought and Life of J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
Marion G. Romney gives an overview and compilation of the political thought of J. Reuben Clark, Jr., a prominent attorney, civil servant, and BYU leader.
The Proper Role of Government
Government is a creation of the people and ought to be subservient to them. We need to be wary of giving centralized government too much power.
Our Immediate Responsibility
No matter how appealing the modern movements toward socialism and communism are, we must defend freedom, which is essential in God's plan.
Socialism and the United Order
Marion G. Romney compares and contrasts the theoretical underpinnings and practical implementation of socialism and the United Order.
A Race Against Time
The war against Communism is a serious one, because it entails a fight for the freedom that is so essential in God's plan.
Constitution and Its Signers
The Constitution of the United States is an inspired document penned by remarkable men. Let us study and give thanks for and preserve its principles.
Commencement, August 1952
George Q. Morris counsels graduates at the August 1952 commencement ceremony to be aware of the state of their nation as well as their souls.
