James Madison once wrote: “Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.”

He was right.  

A constitutional republic is difficult to sustain. It requires an educated and engaged citizenry. People must understand their rights and responsibilities. They must learn to understand their institutions and to create habits of mind that stake out the boundaries of liberty. A mature understanding of republican government and effective citizenship require skill.

Our mission: The IGC will combine technical expertise, theory, and practice to connect America’s core principles with contemporary American civic life.

We will study civics through the lens of American constitutionalism, political science, American history, economics, political theory, and more. We believe that civic awareness is a function of civic knowledge and civic skills, and we aim to prepare students with both so that they may flourish in our pluralistic republic. Through faculty hiring, teaching and research, programming, and a host of other activities, the IGC will create a citizenry that matches our complex times.

An effective education is one of the surest ways to good government. Knowledge provides us with the tools to keep a watchful eye on the government and to set our course as citizens in a community. The IGC will help make stronger and more effective citizens.

Stay tuned for more as we grow and flourish!