YEREVAN, Armenia — On November 5, in conjunction with the U.S. Election Day, the American University of Armenia (AUA) Math and Writing Center hosted a workshop titled “Election Day: A Closer Look at U.S. Democracy.” Led by Dr. Arsen Gasparyan, a political scientist and lecturer at the AUA College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the workshop delved into the foundations, history, and evolving processes of the American electoral system. 80 students participated in the workshop.
The workshop provided a comprehensive overview of the U.S. electoral system’s core principles, starting with the framework established by the U.S. Constitution. Dr. Gasparyan discussed key concepts such as federalism, the division of powers between the states and federal government, and how the Electoral College works, shedding light on how these factors shape elections in the U.S.
A significant portion of the discussion focused on the historical evolution of voting rights in the United States. Participants explored the gradual expansion of suffrage from its early exclusions to the eventual inclusion of all adult citizens. Key milestones, including the 15th, 19th, and 26th Amendments of the Constitution, as well as the Voting Rights Act of 1965, were discussed to help contextualize the U.S. electoral system.
The workshop also delved into the candidates’ political agendas, focusing on their approaches to domestic and foreign policies. Dr. Gasparyan initiated a student-led discussion on how stances on domestic issues such as healthcare, abortion, taxation, inflation, and immigration intersect with foreign policy and foreign trade. Participants examined how these policies shape both the U.S.’s internal governance and its global role, encouraging a deeper understanding of the broader implications of electoral outcomes.
During the workshop, students had the opportunity to engage deeply with U.S. democracy, exploring its history, institutional impacts, and evolving challenges. It fostered thoughtful dialogue on ways to reform electoral systems worldwide to better reflect the needs of their citizens.
For more information on upcoming events and workshops organized by the AUA Math and Writing Center, please follow the Events Calendar of the Office of Student Affairs.
Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.
