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Over the past five decades, trust in American institutions has declined significantly, affecting government, media, and higher education. In response, Stanford’s Hoover Institution launched The Center for Revitalizing American Institutions (RAI) in 2023 to address this issue.

Condoleezza Rice, Director of the Hoover Institution, stated: “We recognize that Americans have begun to lose faith in their institutions.” She emphasized the importance of preserving foundational pillars and understanding them as vital to democracy.

Brandice Canes-Wrone leads RAI's efforts. She noted that a lack of public trust can compromise an institution's mission. “When trust is low, individuals may not as readily comply with agency recommendations,” she said. Canes-Wrone stressed that rebuilding trust doesn't mean demanding absolute faith but involves considering reforms and education.

RAI examines institutions' evolution and broader societal trends like political polarization. Canes-Wrone explained that distrust is not solely due to partisan disapproval but also affects independents and those whose party holds power.

With an upcoming Presidential transition concentrating power in one party, Canes-Wrone observes potential impacts on governance under President-elect Donald Trump’s administration. She remarked on the significant power of the administrative state and how Trump's appointees might reform agencies or take symbolic positions.

RAI collaborates with scholars from various fields to improve institutional effectiveness. It co-authored "Revitalizing the House: Bipartisan Recommendations on Rules and Process" with Sunwater Institute, proposing 14 actionable recommendations for Congress.

Gallup data indicates Congress is trusted least by Americans; only 7% expressed confidence in it in 2022. This coincides with legislative gridlock as seen in the 118th Congress's low productivity.

The Improving American Elections Initiative aims to enhance electoral process confidence through transparency measures. Led by Benjamin Ginsberg and Justin Grimmer at Hoover, it works with election officials on fraud concerns.

RAI also partners with Stanford Civics Initiative (SCI) for civic education enhancement. Founded by Josiah Ober at Stanford University, SCI develops programming on citizenship underpinnings and civic identity cultivation.

In April 2024, Ober convened civics instructors nationwide for discussions on civics education challenges amid national scrutiny of higher education. Follow-up meetings are planned for further collaboration expansion.

RAI hosts events like “Reimagining American Institutions” webinars featuring scholars and former officials discussing presidential transitions during different administrations.

“Revitalizing our institutions will require a combination of a commitment to understanding and preserving what’s working," said Canes-Wrone about future efforts needed for institutional revitalization.