A Free Civic Education Series
Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Happiness How Self‑Government Works
A conversation on the citizen’s role in a democratic republic—how elections are run, and how government actually functions at the federal, state, and local levels.
The Citizen’s Role
What it means to be a self-governing citizen—rights, responsibilities, and the habits that keep a republic alive.
Elections
How ballots become results—registration, campaigns, voting procedures, and certification, demystified.
Government at Work
How federal, state, and local governments actually operate—and where you fit into each one.
Dan Else, PhD
Dr. Else retired after two decades with the Congressional Research Service at the Library of Congress, where he advised members of Congress on how their own government works. Now he’s bringing that expertise home to Culpeper.
Mondays · 6:30 PM · August 24–November 2, 2026
Culpeper County Library
271 Southgate Shopping Center, Culpeper, VA
Classroom presentations available by request.