Keith Dougherty

Keith Dougherty is a Professor of Political Science at the University of Georgia's School of Public and International Affairs. He holds the prestigious Josiah Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professor title, representing the highest recognition for teaching excellence at UGA.

Dougherty specializes in the institutional design of American politics, examining both the implications of political institutions and their historical creation. His research spans social choice theory, where he analyzes voting rules, assembly sizes, and quorum requirements, as well as constitutional design, particularly focusing on the framers' motivations for adopting the U.S. Constitution. His scholarly work has been published in top journals including the American Political Science Review, American Journal of Political Science, and Journal of Politics.

As a dedicated educator, Dougherty has developed numerous active learning techniques, simulations, and games to enhance student engagement in courses ranging from Introduction to American Government to advanced topics in Game Theory and American Political Thought. His teaching philosophy emphasizes 'learning through doing' to complement traditional lectures and deepen student understanding.

Research Leadership

• Founder of the Constitutional Convention Research Group (CCRG)
• Organizer of the American Founding Group (AFG)
• Host of Constitution Day events and conferences on American constitutional history

Awards and Recognition

• Josiah Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professor
• University of Georgia Creative Teaching Award
• Lothar Tresp Outstanding Honors Professor Award
• Member of the University of Georgia Teaching Academy

Dougherty maintains an active teaching schedule, with courses planned for Fall 2025 including Introduction to American Government (honors) and Social Choice and Elections. His teaching resources, including classroom games and simulations on topics like the Prisoner's Dilemma, Federalist debates, and sectional conflicts, are widely shared to promote active learning in political science education.