Here are 7 steps to reinvigorate our democracy, drawing on the lessons of James Madison, Thomas Jefferson and Superman. Use the super power of critical thinking to make America smart again - and never ever give up your cape.

Ken Paulson, BJ ’75, became president of the First Amendment Center in August 2010 and dean of the College of Mass Communication at Middle Tennessee State University on Aug. 1, 2013. After receiving his law degree from the University of Illinois College of Law, Paulson returned to journalism, first on the staff of the Fort Myers (Fla.) News-Press and subsequently on the founding team of USA TODAY in 1982. A pioneer in online newspaper content, Paulson launched online newspaper editions in Florida and New York in 1993. As both a lawyer and a journalist, Paulson takes great pride in the First Amendment. In 1998, while working at the First Amendment Center, he created the multimedia show “Freedom Sings” to celebrate the First Amendment and educate citizens of its importance. He returned to USA TODAY as editor in 2004, and served in this capacity until being named president of the Newseum and later, president of the First Amendment Center.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx