Summer 2026

Join us for the Cato Institute’s 2026 Congressional Fellowship in Constitutional Studies – a nine-week fellowship for congressional staff who are interested in the philosophical roots and practical applications of constitutional law from a libertarian perspective. Open to congressional staff of any party or ideology, lawyers and non-lawyers alike, the fellowship will consist of weekly receptions and discussions featuring experts from various fields of constitutional law.

Through readings, lectures, and discussions, participants will have an opportunity to explore core principles of the Constitution on issues such as surveillance, foreign and domestic, criminal justice, and the first amendment and free speech online. Discussions will be collegial, nonpartisan, and off-the-record.

Those who are interested in participating can find more information above and are encouraged to submit a statement of interest no later than Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 5:00 PM EDT. Preference will be given to early submissions, and participants must commit to attending no fewer than six of the eight sessions.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at GovAffairs@​cato.​org.

Sessions will be held on Thursdays at a Capitol Hill-adjacent restaurant from 6:00 – 8:00 pm May 21 – July 16. Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be served.

The U.S. Constitution, especially as amended after the Civil War, was written to secure individual liberty under limited government. Drawing on the vision first set forth in the Declaration of Independence, it authorizes a federal government of delegated, enumerated, and thus limited powers, which must be exercised consistent with our natural and moral rights. Unfortunately, with the rise of the administrative state at the end of the 19th century, the Constitution has been read increasingly as authorizing largely unlimited government. Cato’s scholars are dedicated to addressing the many aspects of that problem and to restoring America’s promise of liberty under limited government.

* The Cato Institute’s Congressional Fellowships have been designed to conform with House and Senate ethics rules.

** Please note that still images, videos, and general descriptions of the Fellowship may be used in future promotional materials.