What We Do

The Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University–New Brunswick studies how American politics and government work and change, offers critical analysis on strengthening democratic processes, and champions active citizenship through robust civic engagement initiatives. The state of American democracy is central to the work the Institute undertakes. One of the institute’s core values is “engaging in critical examination of systems of power and governance, including the ideals for, and practice of, democracy.”

It is therefore important for the Institute to outline the American democratic principles that it is dedicated to teaching, supporting, defending, and improving. The Institute believes that the following principles are among the key factors that define a thriving liberal democracy, and which we strive to center in our work

Constitutional Framework and Fundamental Rights

A shared understanding of and commitment to the United States Constitution and the governmental structure that emanates from it.

• Respect for the U.S. Constitution and the values therein, including the rule of law, separation of powers, an independent judiciary, and the institutions designed to defend and execute constitutional principles.
• Defense of constitutionally guaranteed freedoms essential for civic participation including freedoms of assembly, religious belief and practice, expression, and speech.
• Protection of minority populations and opinions while respecting majority rule. The U.S. Constitution and the American liberal democratic system provide protections for minority populations and opinions that must be defended, including these fundamental rights and principles of equality.

Information Integrity and Civil Discourse

A commitment to disseminating accurate information and fostering the productive exchange of ideas that a system of self-government requires.

• A free and independent press that has the ability and opportunity to question power structures and report on political and government issues.
• Public access to factual and accurate information that improves civic preparedness and allows observers and participants to come to well-informed decisions.
• A robust and respectful civic conversation that welcomes curiosity, questioning, and diverse viewpoints while maintaining civility.
• Good governance through transparent decision-making processes and rigorous accountability mechanisms that ensure public officials serve the public interest, enable citizens to observe government actions, and create pathways for meaningful public participation.

Inclusive Democratic Participation

Ensuring that institutions and practices of democracy are accessible and respected.

• Fair, free, and secure elections accessible to all eligible voters followed by a peaceful and orderly transfer of power.
• Freedom from discrimination against any group that hampers or inhibits its ability to participate fully in the civic square.
• Public defense and promotion of civic participation, including defending freedom of speech and assembly and safeguarding “civic space” in which these activities can take place.

Sources: To Keep the Republic (Matto); https://www.chathamhouse.org/2021/04/importance-democracy, https://www.vanderbilt.edu/principles/, https://www.un.org/en/global-issues/democracy, https://www.mccaininstitute.org/resources/in-the-news/a-civil-society-declaration-of-democratic-principles-on-the-occasion-of-the-2023-summit-for-democracy/

Core Values

The Eagleton Institute of Politics is committed as an institution to the following:

1. Cultivating access and empowerment within the Institute and, by extension, our political system. We seek to identify and remove barriers to access and promote inclusion, which relies on our active and intentional efforts to remedy power inequities.
2. Affirming the humanity of all people irrespective of their historic marginalization, identity, or socioeconomic status, through our teaching, research, and programming. We center historically marginalized voices and oppose policies and practices that discriminate against anyone on the basis of these historic and present realities.
3. Engaging in critical examination of systems of power and governance, including the ideals for, and practice of, democracy.
4. Promoting open and respectful exchange of ideas and perspectives that abides by the values listed above and preserves the safety and well-being of all participants.
5. Fostering interest in, and promoting, a broad range of engagement in politics, communities, and public service, by all members of society, especially our students.

Studying American Politics and Political Change

The Institute welcomes entrepreneurial thinkers who develop new knowledge about emerging topics and themes in American politics. Eagleton’s faculty, centers, and programs study:

• Campaigns, elections and political parties
• Civic education and political engagement
• Ethics
• Governors and state politics
• Minority and immigrant political behavior
• New Jersey politics
• Public opinion polling and survey research
• Public safety and community resilience
• Science and politics
• Women’s political participation
• Youth political participation and young elected leaders

To learn more, explore the Institute’s centers and major program areas and searchable research archive or attend an event. Learn more about Eagleton’s criteria for non-tenure track research professor series.

Preparing Students for Civic Engagement

Eagleton’s curricular education programs prepare selected undergraduate and graduate students to engage in politics as responsive, effective, ethical citizens and leaders. Undergraduate Associates and Eagleton Graduate Fellows learn from experienced faculty and political practitioners as well as through placements in political or government offices, discovering the real world of American politics beyond the headlines.

Students get involved at Eagleton through individual courses, research assistantships and internships, programs, and events featuring national political experts.

Educators can get involved at Eagleton and access Institute resources. Eagleton offers a range of research and programs that can support those who are working to educate responsive, effective, ethical citizens and leaders.

Civil Discourse Expectations

Classes, programs and other events convened by the Eagleton Institute of Politics are premised on the belief that, in order for our democracy to work, we need to be able to talk to each other. Students and other program participants are expected to engage in open and civil discourse, recognizing that meaningful exchange of ideas from different perspectives requires reasoned deliberation based on shared facts and conducted with respect and curiosity, and with affirmation of the humanity of all people irrespective of their historic marginalization, identity or socioeconomic status. In addition, like all Rutgers students, students at Eagleton are expected to comply with the Rutgers University Code of Conduct.

Free Expression at Rutgers University

Rutgers is committed to the freedom of speech. The free expression and discussion of ideas is essential to our university’s core mission and values. We encourage open and civil discussion, debate, and exploration of ideas and viewpoints while we preserve the right of all in our community to learn, teach, and carry out the university’s essential work. Please review the Free Expression at Rutgers website for more information about our community’s policies and standards.