About the Chair

The Kluge Chair in American Law and Governance focuses on legal, constitutional, and political issues related to the institutions of American government. The Chair makes use of the world’s largest law library and the Library’s unique collection of manuscripts on the formation and development of the American Republic during their residence.

One of five Kluge Chairs articulated in the founding documents of The John W. Kluge Center, the Chair in American Law and Governance is occupied by scholars of great accomplishment chosen for their intellectual and communicative abilities. While in residence they are free to pursue their own research in the Library’s collections.

Together, these broadly defined Chairs bring a critical mass of the world’s leading thinkers to Washington from all over America and the world. Their presence provides an opportunity for ongoing dialogue with political leaders on matters of importance to civic and political life.

Find more information on Kluge Chairs in the Kluge Center charter.

A senior scholar position to research domestic matters of and among the three branches of the United States government.

Most Recent Chair

Sarah Binder

Kluge Chair in American Law and Governance (2020)

Sarah Binder is Professor of Political Science at George Washington University and senior fellow in Governance Studies at the Brookings Institution. An expert in Congress and legislative politics, her current research explores the historical and contemporary relationship between Congress and the Federal Reserve. Her co-authored book, The Myth of Independence: How Congress Governs the Federal Reserve was published by Princeton University Press in 2017. She is associate editor of The Washington Post’s Monkey Cage blog and is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

View past chairs