The American Experiment at 250: Governing Across Differences
Part of the SBS Democracy Project Constitution Day Celebration
Content
As the United States marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, Constitution Day offers an opportunity to ask what democratic self-government requires when Americans disagree – often profoundly - about politics, policy, and the direction of the country.
Join Massachusetts Senator Jo Comerford (D) and Representative Todd Smola (R) for a conversation about governing across political difference. Drawing on their experiences representing western and central Massachusetts from opposite sides of the political aisle, the two legislators will discuss how to sustain democratic government, the challenges of governing amid polarization, and what the next generation should understand about citizenship and public service.
The conversation will consider questions including:
- Which constitutional norms are most fragile today, and what is required to sustain them?
- What do Congress and state legislatures need in order to function across disagreement and partisanship?
- What should students understand about free speech, political compromise, and public service?
- As the 2026 midterm election approach, what issues - including ballot questions and other developments - should students be paying attention to?
About Senator Jo Comerford (D)
Jo Comerford has represented the Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester District in the Massachusetts Senate since 2019 and was the first woman elected to the seat. She currently chairs the Joint Committee on Higher Education and serves in leadership roles on the Senate and Joint Committees on Ways and Means. Before entering elected office, Comerford worked for a number of western Massachusetts and national nonprofit organizations, including the Center for Human Development, the American Friends Service Committee, the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, and National Priorities Project. She holds a master's degree in social work from Hunter College.
About Representative Todd Smola (R)
Todd Smola has represented the 1st Hampden District in the Massachusetts House of Representatives since 2005. He currently serves as Ranking Minority Member of the House and Joint Committees on Ways and Means and as Ranking Minority Member of the House Committee on Federal Funding, Policy and Accountability. Before joining the Legislature, Smola served on the Palmer Planning Board and as a Palmer selectman, including as chair of the Board of Selectmen. He attended Holyoke Community College and earned a B.S. from Westfield State College.