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Does it seem like the system is built for insiders? We know the feeling, and we’re here to help you on your path to more active citizenship, from Town Council to Congress. That’s why we created Genius Guides – built-for-anyone roadmaps to understanding our government and what citizens can do to make a difference. Dig into the issues you care about, learn who has the power to change things, and get the tools you need to use your voice effectively. Plus, take a quiz and check out our blog anytime you need a civic pick-me-up.

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Congressional Budget Office

What is it? Ever hear about a bill and think “that’s obviously a great idea…what’s stopping Congress from passing it?” Then you read a little…

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What Is Civic Genius?

June 26, 2023

A lot of folks in our community have been asking recently how Civic Genius got its name. As we all prepare to celebrate this Fourth…

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Quiz: Congress

May 31, 2023

What did the 17th Amendment do? What happens to bills once they’re introduced? Take the quiz to test your knowledge!  

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Quiz: Local School Boards

May 9, 2023

Who negotiates with the teachers union? Can anyone go to a school board meeting? Take the quiz to test your knowledge.  

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Department of Education

What is it? It might seem like something called the Department of Education would run schools across the country, but in fact, your state and…

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Can ChatGPT Boost Your Civic Engagement?

April 4, 2023

An estimated 100 million people were using ChatGPT as of January 2023, making it the fastest growing consumer app of all time. Naturally, we wondered…

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Quiz: Who’s in Charge?

March 21, 2023

When does the Supreme Court get involved in a dispute? Who is your state’s top lawyer? Take the quiz to test your knowledge!  

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Citizen’s Assemblies: What Do You Think?

March 21, 2023

A recent Seattle Times column asked readers to consider an idea. What if we brought together a diverse cross-section of people in a community to…

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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

What Is It? Looking for your next summer vacation? How about a quaint cabin on a toxic plot of land, next to a sludgy lake…

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