The Balance of Power and Constitutional Intent in the U.S. Government: Presentation Live and Via Zoom

Live and via Zoom

More than two centuries ago, the Founding Fathers drafted the Constitution to safeguard the fledgling republic against tyranny. Grounded in Enlightenment philosophy — specifically natural rights, the social contract, and especially the separation of powers — this foundational document and its amendments established one of history's most enduring republics. In this program, Ryan Mondalek explores the Constitution, the philosophies that shaped it, and how its provisions have been interpreted (or ignored), leading to the balance (some say imbalance) of power between the three branches of government that we see today. 

Ryan Mondalek is a graduate of Michigan State University with a bachelor's degree in World Politics and a Master's of Public Policy. Through these programs, Ryan has studied extensively in areas including political philosophy, international relations, history, economics, and political science. He possesses expertise in international policy (East Asia focus), open-source intelligence, AI prompt engineering, and has developed strong analytical skills for complex geopolitical issues. Ryan is the Chief Operating Officer of Huron ARC, based in Ann Arbor, MI. 

Please note that this program will be presented live and on Zoom. 

Live Presentation
If you can attend the live presentation, you will have the opportunity to mingle with your fellow Mensans and guests at our usual location:

Northwest Unitarian Universalist Church in Southfield
23925 Northwestern Highway
Southfield, MI 48075

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. (EDT). The program begins at 7:00 p.m. (EDT).

Ticket Prices:
Members 13+ years old: $5 or buy a strip of 4 tickets for $15
Guests 13+ years old: $7
Members and guests 12 & under: Free
Exact change is appreciated!

There is no charge for the Zoom presentation, but due to rising costs (Meetup charges alone went up 70% during the past year!), your donation via PayPal is greatly appreciated. Please donate $5! To donate, go to paypal.com, log in, and click on the "Send" button. Enter the e-mail address: treasurer@mensadetroit.com, click on "Next", fill in your payment amount, and in the "What's this for" dialogue box enter: "SEMM Zoom Presentations". Click 'next", select your payment method, and click "Send".

Following the live presentation, you can join us for dinner at:
Buddy's Pizza
31646 Northwestern Highway
Farmington Hills, MI 38334

Attendees pay for their own meals.

All virtual attendees must pre-register by clicking the following link: tinyurl.com/SEMM-Gathering.

Click: https://tinyurl.com/SEMM-Gathering
Choose "August 15, 2026, 6:30 p.m." from the drop-down box
Fill in your name and email address
Click the "Register" button

The Zoom room opens at 6:30 p.m. (EDT) for mingling. The program starts at 7:00 p.m. (EDT).

For more information, contact Harley Berger at MensaDetroit@gmail.org.