Institute for Governance and Civics

06/19/2026

Next up: 3 more middle school students heading to the 2026 Florida Statewide National Civics Bee® Finals, each representing the next generation of informed and engaged citizens.

We’re halfway through. Stay tuned as we continue introducing the remaining finalists.

Sponsoring Chambers:
• The Osceola Chamber
• Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce
• St Petersburg Chamber
• Greater Sarasota Chamber

06/18/2026

Meet the finalists! 👋

We’re proud to introduce the first 3 students advancing to the 2026 National Civics Bee® Florida Statewide Finals.

These middle schoolers represent communities across Florida and a strong commitment to civic engagement and leadership.

We’ll be highlighting the remaining finalists throughout the week as they prepare to compete in Tallahassee on June 30th. Stay tuned!

Sponsoring Chambers:
• The Osceola Chamber
• Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce
• St Petersburg Chamber
• Greater Sarasota Chamber

06/15/2026

What if your university major helped you explore foundational ideas and real-world data?

Big news: The IGC just launched the Civics & Liberty Studies (CLS) degree, starting Fall 2026. And we are awarding serious scholarships.

This multidisciplinary program blends civic thought, political philosophy, and data analysis, helping you build real skills in research, clear thinking, and communication.

Choose a concentration area of liberty that fits your interests and gain a deeper understanding of today’s civic landscape.

Learn more: https://igc.fsu.edu/cls-degree

06/10/2026

What if Americans aren’t as divided on government as we think?

Our latest research explores how Americans view federal influence across major sectors, and where they find common ground.

Key takeaways:

• Across sectors like the economy, healthcare, and education, large majorities say the federal government plays a significant role.
• Most Americans, regardless of party, believe that level of influence goes too far.
• Despite political differences, there is more agreement on this issue than the public conversation suggests.

🔗 Learn more by exploring the complete findings and analysis in the data brief: https://igc.fsu.edu/research-data/federalism-part-1-how-much-influence-does-federal-government-have-americans-beliefs

06/10/2026

In Fall 2025, the Institute for Governance and Civics and Florida State University College of Law launched the First Amendment Clinic, an initiative designed to expand access to pro bono legal support while preparing the next generation of civic leaders.

In its inaugural semester, the Clinic:

• Represented clients across multiple states and legal issues tied to all five First Amendment freedoms
• Contributed to high-level legal work, including briefs filed before the U.S. Supreme Court
• Gave students hands-on experience working directly with clients, conducting research, and shaping case strategy

Beyond casework, the Clinic has also supported events for both the legal community and the public, furthering IGC’s mission to strengthen civic knowledge, engagement, and leadership.

We’re proud to partner on this effort and look forward to its continued impact.

06/09/2026

Meet your National Civics Bee® 2026 Florida Statewide Finals emcee 🎤

Mark Harrison, 2026 Florida Teacher of the Year, is a passionate civics educator dedicated to helping students think critically and engage in their communities. We’re looking forward to having him lead this year’s program on June 30.

06/08/2026

What do Americans really think about the tradeoffs of continued military action in Iran? Our latest national polling offers a more nuanced answer ⬇️

• 43% support dismantling Iran’s nuclear program, even if gas prices rise to $6-7 per gallon
• 32% prefer ending the conflict despite the risk of Iran advancing toward a nuclear weapon
• 24% are unsure

At the same time, 57% see a nuclear-armed Iran as a serious long-term threat, while confidence in diplomacy alone remains low across party lines. Overall, the data point to a public weighing the costs of action against the risks of inaction.

Read the full release:

View More Research & Data New National Poll: Many Americans Would Trade $7 Gas for Stopping a Nuclear-Armed Iran FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Read More

06/05/2026

In a new National Review op-ed, IGC Director Ryan Owens examines why economic liberty matters — and why states like Florida are benefiting from wealth migration. As people, businesses, and investment leave high-tax states, Florida continues to attract growth and opportunity.
Read the article:

Prosperity is not a fixed pie. States like Florida and Texas understand that.

06/05/2026

Have a Florida grad in your life searching for their next step? Share this with them.

Our Head of Education Liberty, Dr. James Shuls, published a column in the Tampa Bay Times today making the case for teaching as one of the most purposeful and increasingly well-compensated careers available to Florida graduates. Read Dr. Shuls' full column.

A poll of teachers found 70% felt a strong sense of purpose about the future.

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.