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Who Am I?
Hi, my name is Michael Butkiewicz. I’m a Political Science and Economics student at Penn State University and an opinion contributor to The Baltimore Sun and PoliticsPA, where my work has been featured in the Sunday Sun.
My writing explores the intersection of applied economics, climate policy, and democratic reform; issues that shape our everyday lives and institutions. I write from the conviction that the strength of self-government rests not in partisanship, but in informed, responsible citizenship and the pursuit of a more perfect union.
You can explore my latest publications below, learn more about my ongoing policy projects, or connect with me directly. I welcome thoughtful discussion and collaboration on ideas that strengthen the American promise.
Recent Work & Recognition
A Nation of Mothers
My first major publication, A Nation of Mothers (2025), proposes a comprehensive, nonpartisan framework for U.S. abortion policy reform, uniting constitutional analysis, economic modeling, and moral philosophy.
The book reached the Top 10 on Kindle in multiple categories, including #3 in Civil Rights & Liberties, and #7 in Civics, and has informed my continued research in civic virtue, institutional design, and participatory governance.
Recent Publications
My op-eds for The Baltimore Sun, Richmond Times-Dispatch and PoliticsPA explore the relationship between civic education, accountability, and institutional reform. Both have been featured across The Sun’s digital platforms, including the Sunday print edition, and highlighted in PoliticsPA’s “What Do You Think?” series.
These essays reflect my broader focus on bridging moral conviction with policy realism, championing an informed, active citizenry as the foundation of good government.
Forthcoming Research
I am currently completing a paper titled “Civic Virtue and Institutional Design: Classical Republicanism and Participatory Budgeting.”
The study reinterprets participatory budgeting through the lens of Machiavelli, Montesquieu, and Cicero, integrating historical theory with empirical data to evaluate how civic virtue and institutional design jointly shape democratic efficiency and equity.
"For the health of a republic depends not on the purity of its leaders, but on the vigilance, virtue and understanding of its people."
The Work of Citizenship Never Ends
I believe democracy depends not on louder voices, but wiser citizens. If you share that conviction, let’s build together.
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