A look at politics at home and abroad. How has the notion of 'democracy' evolved? What,in fact, is democracy? How did the Founding Fathers view this when they drafted our Constitution? What are the competing notions of democracy historically and presently? What threatens our notions of Democracy today? How well is American democracy working? Can it be transported to other nations?

Some of the most inspired and provocative thinkers, writers, artists, business people, teachers and other leaders drawn from myriad fields and from across the country and around the world all gathered in a single place - to teach, speak, lead, question, and answer at the 2006 Aspen Ideas Festival. Throughout the week, they all interacted with an audience of thoughtful people who stepped back from their day-to-day routines to delve deeply into a world of ideas, thought, and discussion.