MENU

The mission of the Claremont Institute is to restore the principles of the American Founding to their rightful, preeminent authority in our national life. We are a think tank that teaches, writes, and litigates. Since our founding in 1979, our strategy has been to teach the principles of the American Founding to the future thinkers and statesmen of America. Those principles include the foundational doctrines of natural rights and natural law found in the Declaration of Independence; the ingenious political science of the Constitution; and the popular constitutionalism or reverence necessary for the maintenance of free government. We offer several educational fellowship trainings including the Sheriffs Fellowship every November. It is a one-week program for Sheriffs currently serving to protect the United States of America. Founded in 2021, the Claremont Institute Sheriffs Fellowship offers training in American political thought and institutions, from the country’s top constitutional experts and political theorists. Fourteen sheriffs applicants will be selected for their character, aptitude, accomplishments, zeal, and community reputation to gather for five days to study and discuss the political-philosophical, institutional, and historical arc leading from the American Founding to today’s militant progressivism and multiculturalism, with particular emphasis on the role of law enforcement in maintaining liberty. Discussions will be based on readings from primary sources including John Locke, the Federalist Papers, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, Blackstone’s Commentaries on the Laws of England, key court decisions, and the writings and speeches of great statesmen. We’re pleased to announce that the 2024 Sheriffs Fellowship will take place over a week in Orange County, CA. All incoming Sheriffs Fellows will be awarded: a $1,500 honorarium, up to $1,000 in travel costs, and lodging for the duration of the fellowship. Most meals will also be provided. Upon acceptance into the program, sheriffs will receive a reading packet with designated primary texts and assignments, when applicable, for each course. This year’s curriculum will pay special attention to the dominant political themes animating the American political debate today in our education, media, and national political rhetoric. Fellows will engage in a theoretical and practical study of these themes under the direction of Claremont scholars and summer faculty. In over twenty intensive daily seminars and relaxed evening symposia, Sheriffs Fellows discuss political philosophy and American government with Claremont’s distinguished scholars and senior fellows. Any elected American Sheriff is eligible to apply. This year's program will take place November 1-8, 2024 in Orange County, CA.

Annalyssa Lee
Director of Programs