The American Governance Institute develops ideas and educates policymakers on innovative approaches to strengthening American democracy, state capacity, and federal governance.
Our portfolio includes governance & state capacity, accountable & transparent government, science & technology, and national security & civil liberties.
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Read more from the First Branch Forecast newsletter on substack.Defending and Rebuilding Congress In 2025, the American Governance Institute confronted immediate threats to congressional independence while advancing its long-term effort to rebuild Congress as a strong governing institution. Defending the legislative branch Unprecedented challenges to the constitutional order emerged this year as the White House sought to assert control over core legislative branch authorities.…
January 28, 2026 — The United States has formally withdrawn from the Open Government Partnership (OGP), a voluntary international collaboration founded in 2011 by eight countries, including the United States, to advance government transparency, participation, and accountability in partnership with domestic civil society organizations. In March 2025, eleven civil society organizations urged the Open Government…
The American Governance Institute urged the Senate Rules Committee to reject S. Res 526, which would stop senators’ pay during a government shutdown. The letter highlights the risks of the Senate being held hostage by the House and the White House, and the potential disparity among senators based on wealth.
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