With the political season in full bloom in the U.S., it’s a good time to consider the role of the federal government in education. On April 23, 2008, a new research report was published by the Forum for Education and Democracy, co-edited by KDP Laureate Linda Darling-Hammond, and with contributions from KDP Laureates John L. Goodlad, and Deborah Meier. The report, entitled Democracy at Risk: The Need for a New Federal Policy in Education, offers insight into the shortcomings in education today, details the necessities for tomorrow, and explores the role the federal government needs to play to provide every child with the necessary skills for flourishing in a democracy.