In an era where trust in institutions is waning, many Americans question who truly governs them and whether perpetual dysfunction has become the norm. The legacy of America’s self-government is at a crossroads, with some wondering if it can be restored or if it’s just a relic of the past. Charles T. Rubin’s essay “AI, Governance, and Our ‘Utopian’ Future” raises important questions about the political framework driving federal efforts and the implications of recent political developments for America’s future.
Recent Gallup polling reveals a stark contrast between trust in Congress and confidence in local government, with 67 percent of Americans expressing confidence in local governance. This disparity highlights a crucial truth noted by Virginia statesman John Randolph: “Government to be safe and to be free must consist of representatives having a common interest and a common feeling with the represented.” The current paralysis in Washington, fueled by partisan tribalism and unsustainable spending, has left Americans feeling powerless and disconnected from the political process.
However, there’s hope for reversing this trend, particularly by embracing a bottom-up model of liberty that animated America’s founding. Surprisingly, artificial intelligence (AI) could be a key tool in this effort. While often associated with the loss of human control, AI can potentially reconnect citizens with their government. Taylor Barkley of the Abundance Institute suggests that AI can be a tool for freedom, not just a harbinger of dystopia.
Paul Allen, founder of Genealogy.com, launched CitizenPortal.ai in 2023, a platform that monitors public governmental meetings across the nation, providing unprecedented access for citizens to act as watchdogs over their government. Users can tailor their content to track local meetings and comments, receiving keyword alerts for topics that affect their lives. This technology has the potential to make citizens their own “Fourth Estate,” filling the void left by the decline of local media.
Other initiatives are also leveraging AI to empower citizens. The Mountain States Policy Center has developed WONK, an AI tool that can quickly discern and explain state bills to residents. In Ohio, the Reg Explorer AI tool is being used to review and update state rules and regulations, identifying outdated provisions and streamlining government inefficiencies.
These examples demonstrate how AI can strengthen the foundations of America’s republic by returning power to localities and people. While there are valid concerns about AI’s impact on governance, there’s strong evidence that, in the right hands, it can help construct bills aligned with constitutional principles and enhance citizen engagement.
State and local governments are taking the lead in governing and regulating AI, with California Governor Gavin Newsom issuing an executive order on generative AI in 2023. Experts like Edward Longe argue that AI can empower government agencies to serve residents more effectively by freeing up employees to focus on high-impact work.
As AI continues to evolve, it’s crucial to address concerns about data privacy, factual errors, and ideological biases. While AI can never replace human judgment and presence, it can be a powerful tool for enhancing human potential and creativity. As Pope Francis reminded us, “in this age of artificial intelligence, we cannot forget that poetry and love are necessary to save our humanity.”
The future of AI’s use in governance is up to us. By harnessing AI to promote self-government and citizen engagement, we can invigorate federalism and strengthen the foundations of America’s republic. As Thomas Jefferson noted, the people are the “ultimate guardians of their own liberty.”
