Institute for Governance and Civics

09/04/2026

Join us on September 15th for a lecture with Mark Bauerlein as he examines the decline of the humanities, the impact of literary theory on higher education, and what can be done to revive these fields for future generations. Free and open to the public, with lunch provided.

📍 Senate Chambers, FSU Student Union
⏰ Lunch at 11:30 AM | Lecture at 11:45 AM
🔗 Register: https://igc.fsu.edu/events/mark-bauerlein-how-humanities-lost-their-way-and-how-they-can-be-revived

09/04/2026

This fall, the Conscience Liberty Reading Group will examine the Literature of the American South, with a focus on the short stories of Flannery O’Connor.

The group will explore the social conditions, religious beliefs, and political debates that contributed to the development of the Southern mind.

📚 Fall 2026 reading selections include:
September 10: “A Good Man Is Hard to Find”
• September 24: “The Barber”
• October 22: “Judgment Day”
• November 5: “Everything That Rises Must Converge”

📲 Email [email protected] for more details and to sign up!

09/03/2026

Join us on September 10th as nationally renowned author, columnist, and commentator David Brooks comes to Florida State University for a conversation with FSU President Richard McCullough, moderated by IGC Director Ryan Owens. Together, they'll explore the path forward for civil dignity and constructive civic engagement. Admission is free and open to the public.

📍 Ruby Diamond Concert Hall
🕕 6:00 PM (Doors open at 5:00 PM)
🔗 Learn more and register: https://igc.fsu.edu/events/david-brooks

09/03/2026

NEW PODCAST APPEARANCE

IGC Visiting Research Faculty Neal McCluskey joined Drew Perkins on The ThoughtStretchers Education Podcast to discuss his new book, "Fighting for the Freedom to Learn," and the history of school choice.

Listen here:

Drew Perkins is joined by Neal McCluskey to discuss the history of school choice and his new book, Fighting for the Freedom to Learn.

09/02/2026

How do Americans view capitalism and socialism?

Our new report finds that most Americans view capitalism more favorably than socialism, but opinions vary significantly across age groups and political ideologies. More importantly, the findings suggest that attitudes toward these economic systems are shaped not only by political identity, but also by deeper beliefs about how economies create and distribute prosperity.

Among the report's key findings:
• Americans view capitalism more favorably than socialism, but views differ considerably across political and age groups.
• Most Americans—including majorities across the ideological spectrum—believe market-based economies benefit society.
• Nearly half of Americans hold a zero-sum view of economic gains, with views divided along ideological lines.
• Zero-sum economic beliefs remain strongly related to attitudes toward capitalism and socialism even after accounting for political and demographic differences.

Read the full report:https://igc.fsu.edu/sites/default/files/2026-09/IGC_Report17_Capitalism_VS_Socialism_Final.pdf

09/01/2026

Student Essay Competition: Data, Analysis, and Polling Branch

Full-time FSU undergraduates are invited to apply for our student essay competition.
🏆 $1,500 First Place
🥈 $1,000 Second Place
🥉 $500 Third Place

The goal of the competition is to generate discussion and raise awareness about the importance of accurate, unbiased data in a functioning democratic republic such as the United States.

Deadline: October 2nd, 2026

To learn more and submit your essay: https://igc.fsu.edu/awards-opportunities

08/31/2026

The Institute for Governance & Civics Fall 2026 Speaker Series brings distinguished voices to campus for conversations on leadership, public policy, education, civil society, and the future of our institutions.

View the full lineup and event schedule: https://igc.fsu.edu/events

08/28/2026

IGC Director Ryan Owens was recently quoted in the News From The States article "GOP path to retaining US House majority narrowing as midterms near," where he discussed how changing voter coalitions and turnout patterns could shape the race for control of the U.S. House in the 2026 midterm elections.

Read the article below:

WASHINGTON — With less than 70 days until midterm elections, Democrats remain favored to regain the majority in the U.S. House. President Donald Trump’s anemic approval ratings amid the war in Iran, concerns over the economy and a coalitional shift within the party mark some of the largest headw...

08/28/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Back-to-School Meet & Greet.

It was an evening filled with conversation, connection, and a little friendly competition as Civics and Liberty Studies majors, AMS students, faculty, and staff came together to start the year.

Here's to a great semester ahead! ✨

08/26/2026

We're Hiring!

The Institute for Governance and Civics at Florida State University is seeking a Research Faculty member and Director of America's Liberty Lab, a new cognitive science research facility dedicated to studying liberty through polling, surveys, and experimental research.

We're looking for a scholar and leader to help build and direct the Lab, conduct innovative research, and contribute to a growing body of work that advances our understanding of liberty.

Learn more and apply:
https://jobs.omni.fsu.edu/psc/sprdhr_er/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1&JobOpeningId=63146&PostingSeq=1