The Governance Program distributes advice to citizens and policymakers about how government and bureaucracy work. Research focuses on improving the function and effect of legislatures and agencies, as well as the electoral process.

Program faculty provide expert commentary on local, state and national politics, and use public opinion surveys to identify understanding and support for policy proposals at all levels of government. Faculty and fellows in IGPA’s Governance Program provide expert analysis and commentary on local, state and national political campaigns, and many appear as Election Night analysts on television and radio throughout Illinois. Examples of their work include analysis of electoral systems and voting technology, and analysis of the financing of political campaigns in Illinois.

The Governance Program produces the Illinois Public Opinion Monitor, which uses surveys of both the general public and experts to provide information about major public policy questions facing the state or nation.