The Constitution in Simple Words: How a Text Shapes Our Daily Life
About the Workshop
Key Information
- Full title: The Constitution in Simple Words: How a Text Shapes Our Daily Life
- Dates: November 21–22, 2026, 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
- Location: CHS Greece, Nafplio
- Organized by: CHS Greece
- Open to: All (limited number of places)
- Application period: September 25–October 25, 2026
- Academic coordination: Spyros Vlachopoulos (Professor of Public Law, School of Law, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens)
- Activity administration: Matina Goga (CHS Greece)
- Contact number and email: (+30) 27520 47040, ext. 1, matina.goga@chs.harvard.edu
Overview
Harvard University's Center for Hellenic Studies in Greece is organizing a workshop titled "The Constitution in Simple Words: How a Text Shapes Our Daily Life." CHS Greece, as part of its annual workshop series, aims to support Hellenic Studies and the broader field of Humanities, and to offer intergenerational, interdisciplinary, lifelong learning opportunities to the public.
In this workshop, we will delve into the nature and function of the Constitution, as well as its relevance today. We will examine the reasons Constitutions were created, trace key milestones of our constitutional history (dating back to the years of the Greek Revolution), and analyze different constitutional models worldwide. Next, we will examine the fundamental provisions of our Constitution (the operation of state organs and the protection of civil rights) and focus on its practical usefulness, especially today, when many legal rules stem from international law and European Union law. Please note that the workshop is not intended solely for legal experts, so technical legal jargon will be avoided. The underlying idea is that the Constitution concerns us all, not just constitutional scholars or lawyers.
Thematic Areas – Structure
The approach to the topic will be organized around the following thematic axes:
Day 1
- What is a Constitution, the different types of Constitutions, and the reasons why a Constitution must exist
- Key milestones of Greek constitutional history
- Fundamental principles governing our form of government (popular sovereignty, rule of law, parliamentary democracy, protection of human dignity)
- Main provisions of the Constitution regarding state organs (Electorate, Parliament, Government, President of the Republic, the Courts)
Day 2
- Key constitutional provisions of the Constitution on fundamental rights (civil and social rights)
- Analysis of contemporary issues of constitutional law (e.g., the Memorandum, private universities, public sector recruitment quotas, freedom of expression, personal data protection, Constitution and AI & new tech)
- The relationship between the Constitution, international law, and European Union law
- Ultimately, do we need a Constitution today?
The coordinator will introduce these topics, emphasizing the core principles and provisions of the Greek Constitution, and the participants will actively engage in dialogue to explore its key functions today and discuss whether a Constitution remains essential in the modern world. Designed to be highly interactive rather than purely theoretical, the workshop aims to build foundational knowledge and encourage discussion on practical, timely issues that affect every citizen. The workshop will be interactive rather than theoretical in nature. It aims to impart fundamental knowledge and spark dialogue around practical and timely issues that concern all citizens.
Objectives
Participants in the workshop are expected to:
- understand,
- delve into,
- learn,
- reflect,
- examine,
- exchange views,
- agree and disagree
on the Constitution and its practical functions that concern all citizens.
Accessibility
The Center for Hellenic Studies in Greece welcomes individuals with disabilities to participate in its workshops and activities. If you would like to request accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, please email matina.goga@chs.harvard.edu or call (+30) 27520 47040 and then press "1," in advance of your participation. Requests for accommodations should be made as far in advance as possible. We will explore each request on a case-by-case basis. However, please note that all services are subject to availability.