States of the Union: Rebuilding American Civics for a Digital Republic
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how people engage with information, institutions, and one another, reshaping civic life itself. States of the Union: Rebuilding American Civics for a Digital Republic is a call to action for state and local leaders to strengthen democracy in an era defined by rapid technological disruption. Co-developed by CivxNow, the EDSAFE AI Alliance, and leaders from education, academic, and civic organizations, the report urges state policymakers to lead a transformation in civic education grounded in America’s founding ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
The report provides case studies from states already investing in this work and offers a roadmap for how others can integrate civic learning and AI literacy across all grade levels, invest in educator preparation, and modernize curriculum standards to include digital and/or AI literacy. It calls on the sector to design assessments that measure the knowledge and skills necessary for democratic participation. These strategies, guided by the SAFE Framework, ensure that the next generation is equipped with the foundational skills to use and shape AI for the public good.
Spanning a 13-year window—from America’s 250th birthday in 2026 to the Constitution’s 250th in 2039—States of the Union presents a new era of civic engagement and participation in an AI-influenced world.
