Karsh Institute Of Democracy

Democracy is based on the belief that people can rule themselves. This conviction has been woven into the fabric of the University of Virginia since Thomas Jefferson founded it in 1819. “Wherever the people are well informed they can be trusted with their own government.” — Thomas Jefferson The Karsh Institute is a natural extension of UVA’s founding mission to advance knowledge and prepare student leaders for self-governance. As a leading public university with a deep connection to the nation’s bold democratic experiment, UVA is uniquely situated to serve as the Karsh Institute’s home.