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As part of the Center for Revitalizing American Institutions (RAI), the Working Group on Civics and American Citizenship focuses on citizenship and civic education–and the improvement of both–within a constitutional democracy. It provides guidance for RAI’s research and programmatic initiatives. Its members engage in innovative research projects, grant review, fellow selection processes, and other efforts that advance civic education and strengthen American citizenship. Building toward the nation’s 250th birthday in 2026, members also serve an ambassadorial role by creating and communicating policies and practices that foster the habits, values, knowledge and skills that form the basis of citizenship in a liberal democracy.

The Working Group's complete charter can be found here.

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civics
Essays

A Century-Plus Of Civic Education: What The Textbooks Show

Did the United States have a golden age of civics education? We delved into 87 textbooks spanning 1885 to 2000 and found a gradual shift of focus from government structures to individual actions. 

By Jed Ngalande

via Hoover Institution Press

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Civics
Essays

State Civics Requirements In 2024

The authors provide a comprehensive list of state requirements for civics education as of 2024.

By Sophia Craiutu, Jed Ngalande

via Hoover Institution Press

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Podcasts
Renewing Civics Education – Preparing For American Citizenship
interview with Chester E. Finn Jr.

via Matters of Policy & Politics

Renewing Civics Education
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Articles
Notable Developments in the Citizenship Sphere: January–August 2026
By Eva Margaret Lacy, Jed Ngalande
Capitol building with flags
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Essays
The State of American Citizenship 2023
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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Podcasts
“Don’t Know Much About” . . . America?
interview with Bill Whalen, Chester E. Finn Jr.

via Matters of Policy & Politics

Renewing Civics Education
Reflections on Citizenship
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Quotes from US Presidents on American Citizenship

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Citizenship in the Words of Eminent Americans

National Civics Fellowship
Watch Now
Reclaiming the American Story | National Civics Fellowship with Stephen Morris

Reclaiming the American Story | National Civics Fellowship with Stephen Morris

As the United States loses its civic memory, reclaiming America’s civic promise through civic education is vital to help form an informed and reflective citizenry, capable of celebrating the nation’s successes while confronting its failures.

Watch Now
Watch Now
Civic Renewal in America | National Civics Fellowship with Trygve Throntveit

Civic Renewal in America | National Civics Fellowship with Trygve Throntveit

 

As Americans become less able to engage across differences—especially on college campuses—Third Way Civics offers a way to rebuild an educated and less polarized citizenry, learning from primary sources and healthy dialogue.

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 A RAI SPONSORED PROJECT

RAI

The Center for Revitalizing American Institutions in multiple ways affirms the purpose for which Herbert Hoover created the Hoover Institution. Through scholarship, policy analysis, and dissemination of findings, RAI will help the nation meet the current existential challenges to our institutions. By giving definition to the problem and approaching it holistically, RAI is a resource for improving the current situation and encouraging an informed and active citizenry.

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