DEMOCRATIC CITIZENSHIP

At the heart of representative government is the role of individuals in their relationships with democratic institutions and practices. As such, one component of this theme will be work on public opinion and behavior, including on electoral accountability. Additionally, it will be concerned with the development of individuals’ commitments to constitutional democracy, their understanding of the rights and responsibilities of American citizenship, and preparing individuals for informed, active, and ethical participation in democratic processes. As part of achieving these aims, we will engage in efforts to increase and improve civic education within formal K12 and postsecondary settings. 

Key questions include: 

  • How do individuals develop an understanding of and a commitment to American institutions and democratic practices? How do they develop healthy civic identities? 
  • What are developmentally appropriate and effective civic education models in K12 and postsecondary settings? 
  • What are the public’s policy positions and priorities? How well does the public hold elected officials accountable for their behavior?   
  • What are the reasons behind declining public trust in American institutions?  
Projects within this theme
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Good American

Civics and American Citizenship

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election

U.S. National Election Panel

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Alliance for Civics in the Academy

Alliance for Civics in the Academy

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People, Politics and Places Fellowship

People, Politics and Places Fellowship

National Civics Fellowship

National Civics Fellowship

Featured Research
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The American Civic Education Ecosystem: A Landscape Analysis
November 11, 2025 By Connor Begovich, Karina Kloos, Thomas Schnaubelt

via Hoover Institution Press

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The State of American Citizenship 2023
March 31, 2024 By Chester E. Finn Jr., Jed Ngalande

via Analysis

The group of multiracial people stand and raise their hand to say the pledge.
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The Civic Bargain: How Democracy Survives
September 19, 2023 By Josiah Ober, Brook Manville

via Princeton University Press

The Civic Bargain: How Democracy Survives by Brook Manville and Josiah Ober
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Accountability Reconsidered: Voters, Interests, and Information in US Policymaking
February 16, 2023 By Brandice Canes-Wrone, Charles M. Cameron, Sanford C. Gordon, Gregory A. Huber

via Cambridge University Press

Accountability Reconsidered: Voters, Interests, and Information in US Policymaking (Political Economy of Institutions and Decisions)
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Notable Developments in the Citizenship Sphere: June–December 2025
January 5, 2026 By Sophia Craiutu, Eva Margaret Lacy, Jed Ngalande
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Reclaiming Liberal Education in America
September 29, 2026 By Peter Berkowitz

via RealClearPublishing

Reclaiming Liberal Education in America
Featured Commentary
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March 18, 2026 featuring General Jim Mattis
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