ABOUT US
The American Governance Institute is dedicated to renewing and modernizing the institutions of American government. We are a fiscally sponsored project of the Fund for Constitutional Government, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Our Mission
The American Governance Institute exists to renew and modernize the foundations of American self-government. We believe that by fostering a virtuous cycle of reform within our governing institutions, the United States can build the resilient democracy its people deserve. Central to this renewal is a capable and independent Congress. Through sustained engagement with lawmakers, institutional leaders, and civil society, we will generate reforms necessary to transform our democratic system.
Our Vision of Change
We believe the threat of autocracy underscores the urgent need to renovate our constitutional system. Our vision is a democracy where elected representatives deliberate constructively, set policies that improve lives, and hold the executive branch accountable to implement them faithfully. This requires rebalancing power across government, renewing respect for individual rights, and restoring Congress to its rightful role as the people’s voice in governing.
The pathway to that vision, we believe, is through tapping into the inherent creative and restorative powers of Congress. Our experts and practitioners see opportunities within the inner workings of the legislative branch to make meaningful improvements now, even in this moment of crisis. We identify points of leverage where the right actions can produce institution-shifting results and deliver practical solutions to unlock congressional systems.
We can’t wait for a nascent mass movement to renew democracy. By strategically engaging Congress at key points of leverage, we can create tipping points where Congress takes action to revive the promise of our founders. History reminds us that with focused effort, we can summon breakthrough moments of reform.
Our work
The key to generating change in governing organizations is engaging and supporting stakeholders to make institution-strengthening decisions. That’s why AGI works directly with people inside Congress to explore reform possibilities and educates the congressional community about opportunities for institution-changing leverage.
- We shape the information ecosystem of congressional stakeholders through the weekly must-read First Branch Forecast.
- We provide unique research and analysis into the critical inner workings of the Legislative branch to raise the bar for reform conversations.
- We advocate for a stronger, independent Legislative branch and for a more transparent federal government.
- We are a resource to the press on congressional reform issues.
- We develop technology for the congressional community and partner with Legislative branch entities on ways to make legislative data more accessible.
Read about our 2025 achievements here
Leadership
Daniel Schuman is Executive Director of the American Governance Institute. Learn more about Daniel here.
Chris Nehls is a Special Policy Advisor at the American Governance Institute. Learn more about Chris here.