Politics + Governance

Helping students understand the political context in which policy decisions are made so that they can influence the public arena through agenda-setting, advocacy, persuasion, and participation in grassroots reform.

Smart Politics has a new look

The Center for the Study of Politics and Governance has launched a new design of the acclaimed non-partisan political news site Smart Politics as it approaches its 5-year anniversary... (more)

Research Centers

The Center for the Study of Politics and Governance develops practical information and solutions to pressing political and policy challenges. The center strives to increase public understanding of politics through research relevant to policymakers and legislators throughout the Upper Midwest and by serving as a resource to the media and citizens on important policy issues.

Recent Headlines

Pawlenty denies any interest in vice president job
Posted 05/14/2012

Missouri, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania top list of competitive swing states
Posted 05/14/2012

DFL delegates choose Rick Nolan as candidate for Congress
Posted 05/14/2012

Smart Politics

Fischer Edges Bruning in 2nd Closest Nebraska GOP US Senate Primary in History
Posted 05/16/2012

Tim Pawlenty Comes Home
Posted 05/15/2012

Battleground States of the Century: Missouri, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin
Posted 05/14/2012

Program for Excellence in Election Administration

Backseat Election Geeking in Florida and Michigan
Posted 05/16/2012

"The Adrenaline Gets You Through It" - A Look Behind Election Day in Lancaster County, Nebraska
Posted 05/15/2012

Montana and Vote-By-Mail: Change Coming Slowly - but Coming Nonetheless
Posted 05/14/2012

Upcoming Politics + Governance Events

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Professional Development
Policy Fellows

Faculty Experts
Professor Ragui Assaad
Senior Fellow Harry Boyte
Lecturer Sherry Gray
Professor Lawrence R. Jacobs
Assistant Professor Kathy Quick
Associate Professor Paul Stone
Senior Fellow Vin Weber

“Democratic government has never been easy. This is why so few nations have been successful at it for any sustained period of time. It is, so to speak, ‘a glorious mystery.'"

-Hubert Humphrey, September 6, 1963