Published June 3, 2025
As civic knowledge declines, so too does the strength of American democracy. Today, only 22% of eighth graders are proficient in civics, while many young Americans question the viability of democracy itself. But amid growing political and cultural battles over what should be taught, parents across the spectrum agree: students must learn the founding principles that sustain the republic. By building on this consensus and advancing decentralized, state-led reforms, America can bypass ideological gridlock, strengthen civic understanding, and secure the foundations of constitutional self-government.
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The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Hoover Institution or Stanford University.
© 2025 by the Board of Trustees of Leland Stanford Junior University.
Podcasts
California lately: Winners and losers in the aftermath of the Paramount antitrust settlement. The future of California’s beleaguered high-speed rail project. Gov. Newsom angling for trout (and the presidency) in a Montana photo-op. Plus, an upcoming debate in what otherwise has been a sleepy governor’s race.
September 25, 2026 • 0 Min Listen
Event
The Hoover Institution in DC hosts Ideas Uncorked: China After Communism: Preparing For What Comes Next on Wednesday, October 14 from 5:00-6:30 pm ET. The event will feature Miles Maochun Yu.
September 13, 2024
Videos
Hoover Institution fellow Victor Davis Hanson says with five weeks to go before the midterm elections, the races remain uncertain. Hanson notes that current polling shows Democrats with an advantage in several key contests, but questions remain about polling accuracy, campaign spending, redistricting and the records of individual candidates.
September 22, 2026
