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

Minneapolis Vikings dome subsidy blocked by taxpayer wrath
Posted 02/19/2012

New Minnesota Congressional district maps to be released Tuesday
Posted 02/19/2012

Five states still have never elected a woman to Congress
Posted 02/18/2012

Smart Politics

Santorum Given the Most Airtime at Arizona GOP Debate
Posted 02/23/2012

Bachmann Blasts "Liberal Courts" Over "Injustice" and "Biased" New Map
Posted 02/22/2012

Will New Redistricting Map Bring Minnesota More Competitive US House Races?
Posted 02/21/2012

Program for Excellence in Election Administration

Deltaphobia: Change is Hard, Especially in Elections
Posted 02/22/2012

The Other Side of Inaccuracy: More Than 50 Million Unregistered
Posted 02/21/2012

Colorado Now Ground Zero for Several High-Profile Election Controversies
Posted 02/17/2012

Upcoming Politics + Governance Events

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