Institute for Governance and Civics

05/29/2026

1 month to go. 👀

On June 30th, Florida’s top middle school students will take the stage for the 2026 National Civics Bee® Statewide Finals, bringing civic knowledge to life in a live, can’t-miss competition.

Join us at Florida State University to cheer them on.

05/28/2026

This week’s research offers a data-driven look at political giving among faculty and staff across Florida’s largest public universities.

Using 2024 FEC data, the report compares higher education contribution patterns to those of Florida’s broader donor population, contributing to conversations around viewpoint diversity.

Key takeaways:
• Faculty and staff donation patterns differ significantly from those of the general Florida donor population.
• Across the universities analyzed, most political contributions were directed to one political party.
• These trends were consistent across multiple institutions and held true when analyzed through different lenses.
•These findings align with existing national research examining ideological representation in higher education.

The authors emphasize that while not reflective of classroom behavior, the data offers a lens for exploring perspective and strengthening open discourse in higher education.

Explore the full report: https://igc.fsu.edu/research-data/are-floridas-universities-echo-chambers/data-brief

05/27/2026

Grateful to FloridaPolitics for highlighting our work to strengthen civics education and help students better understand the meaning behind Memorial Day. Read more ↓

FSU educators are concerned that a recent poll shows only 48% of Americans know why Memorial Day was established.

05/27/2026

We are bringing The Founding to life!

Check out the coverage by WTXL:

Florida State University's new "Founding Voices" program uses live historical interpreters to bring civics education to Florida middle and high school students.

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we’re reflecting on the true meaning of the holiday. In this article, our director Ryan Owens shares why that understanding still matters today.

At the IGC, we create meaningful ways for FSU students to engage more deeply with our nation’s history and founding principles, and the responsibilities of citizenship that come with them.

We believe when students understand the ideals behind the sacrifice so many have made—constitutional liberty, freedom of conscience and self-government—remembrance becomes more meaningful.

Because freedom is not self-sustaining. Every generation inherits it, and every generation must help carry it forward. Read more below.

As Memorial Day approaches, recent research shows many younger Americans are disconnected from the holiday’s meaning. To help bridge that

05/22/2026

We’re excited to host the 2026 Florida Statewide Finals for the National Civics Bee®, bringing together outstanding 6th–8th grade students from across Florida who advanced through their regional competitions. They will demonstrate their civics knowledge and passion for community engagement through a live, quiz-style civics knowledge contest.

Proudly sponsored by Kinder Morgan and presented in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and Daniels Fund, this competition highlights the importance of informed, engaged citizenship and the future of American democracy.

Join us to cheer on the competition, participate in a live audience quiz, and support students. Visit: https://igc.fsu.edu/events/2026-florida-statewide-finals-national-civics-bee

📍Florida State University Turnbull Conference Center

05/19/2026

What a fantastic day at New Nole Orientation! 🍢✨

The IGC team spent time welcoming incoming students and sharing how they can become active, engaged leaders. From our student fellowships to our interactive public forums, we are fully prepared to help this new class build a strong foundation in civic responsibility and leadership.

A huge welcome to the FSU family, New Noles!

05/13/2026

One of the most persistent myths about government spending? Foreign aid.

Our recent research looks at how Americans understand the federal budget, drawing on multiple decades of survey data. While many believe foreign aid makes up a significant share of spending, the reality is far smaller.

A few key patterns stand out:

• Americans consistently overestimate foreign aid spending.
• These misperceptions show up across political affiliations, education levels, and demographic groups.
• Even when presented with accurate information, opinions shift only partially, and disagreements remain.

🔗 Learn more by exploring the complete findings and analysis: https://igc.fsu.edu/research-data/budgetary-illusions-americans-misperceptions-federal-spending-foreign-aid/data-brief

05/11/2026

The IGC is offering more than $130,000 in scholarships for students pursuing a Civics and Liberty Studies (CLS) degree. 🎓

These scholarships are designed for students who are passionate about liberty and civic life. The scholarships will provide opportunities for students to grow as leaders, to deepen their civic understanding, and to join a community committed to public service and constitutional principles.

Learn more and apply at the link below.

https://igc.fsu.edu/cls-scholarships

05/06/2026

How divided are Americans on birthright citizenship, really?

Our latest data brief examines public opinion using more than three decades of national survey data, showing how Americans’ views have changed over time.

Since the mid‑1990s, most Americans have supported maintaining birthright citizenship, with overall support now around the mid‑60 percent range. But when we look beyond the topline numbers, a more nuanced picture emerges:

Key insights include:
➡️ Partisan divides have grown substantially, as Democratic support has increased while Republican support has remained lower.
➡️ Support declines across later immigrant generations.
➡️ Differences by race and ethnicity largely reflect partisanship and immigration background rather than race alone.
➡️ Most Americans are aware of birthright citizenship, but fewer understand its constitutional basis, and constitutional framing has little effect on attitudes.

🔗 Explore the full data brief: https://igc.fsu.edu/research-data/public-opinion-birthright-citizenship-united-states-supportive-overall-increasingly