We work to ensure a more representative democracy that delivers results for all Americans through our government, courts, and in new digital town squares.
Volunteers help roll up a giant banner printed with the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution during a demonstration at the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall, October 2010, in Washington. (Getty/Chip Somodevilla)
Encouraging professional diversity on the federal bench
Despite recent historic gains, professional diversity on the federal appellate courts is severely lacking, with significant implications for the legal expertise underlying judges’ decisions. Our analysis identifies policy proposals to improve the pipeline for judicial diversity.
Advancing voting rights and countering election sabotage
With states introducing hundreds of bills to disenfranchise voters, new federal election standards are vitally needed. Our research makes the case for these standards and shows how the Freedom to Vote Act would counter state laws seeking to suppress voter turnout and sabotage valid election results.
Addressing social media’s threat to our democracy
In the wake of widespread disinformation about the 2020 general election, social media companies must modify their products and policies to mitigate threats to democratic legitimacy and public safety. We identify concrete steps that could help address health and election-related disinformation.
5 Ways the Supreme Court Could Roll Back Rights and Damage Democracy
The Supreme Court’s right-wing majority could deal a major setback to affirmative action, voting rights, LGBTQ rights, and fair elections as it wraps up the latest term.
White House Must Take More Action To Address AI Concerns
As the White House convenes American artificial intelligence (AI) companies, the AI industry and the president must act now to address the challenges and opportunities of AI.
Revelations About Justice Clarence Thomas Reinforce the Need for Justices to Be Bound by an Ethics Code
Media reports that Justice Clarence Thomas accepted lavish yacht trips and private jet rides without publicly disclosing them underscore the urgent need for Supreme Court justices to be bound by a binding code of ethics just like other federal judges and members of Congress.
Trump and His Allies Must Be Held Accountable for the January 6 Insurrection
Without full accountability for the events surrounding the unconstitutional plot to overturn the 2020 presidential election, U.S. democracy remains under substantial threat.
AI is Having a Moment—and Policymakers Cannot Squander the Opportunity to Act
In this moment of intrigue, anxiety, and scrutiny over generative AI, there is an unprecedented opportunity for political engagement from policymakers and the public at large.
The Summit for Democracy Highlights Need for Global Leaders to Address Tech Harms
We cannot expect technology companies to protect democracies if they do not integrate democratic values such as transparency, pluralism, protections against harm, and accountability into the fabric of their operations and governance.
Prominent Conservatives Warn About Dangerous Potential Repercussions of Moore v. Harper
Conservative experts are sending sharp warnings that the meritless independent state legislature theory could undermine democracy and should be rejected by the U.S. Supreme Court and other courts.
Washington Bill Would Limit Political Spending by Foreign-Influenced U.S. Corporations
Michael Sozan, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, filed written testimony before the Washington State House in support of S.B. 5284, a bill that would strengthen campaign-related spending disclosure requirements and limit political spending by U.S. corporations with appreciable foreign ownership.
Hawaii Bill Would Limit Political Spending by Foreign-Influenced U.S. Corporations
Michael Sozan, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, filed written testimony before the Hawaii Senate in support of S.B. 1179, a bill that would limit political spending by U.S. corporations with appreciable foreign ownership.
California Bill Would Limit Political Spending by Foreign-Influenced U.S. Corporations
Michael Sozan, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, filed written testimony before the California State Assembly in support of A.B. 83, a bill that would limit political spending by U.S. corporations with appreciable foreign ownership.
The economy; democracy and the courts; and community safety and gun violence are expected to be at center stage as President Biden prepares to address the nation during his second State of the Union address.
Minnesota Bill Would Limit Political Spending by Foreign-Influenced U.S. Corporations
Michael Sozan, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, filed written testimony before the Minnesota House of Representatives’ Committee on Elections Finance and Policy in support of H.F. 117, a bill to stop political spending by foreign-influenced U.S. corporations.
The Dangers of a Twitter Bankruptcy or Acquisition
Elon Musk’s purchase of Twitter is financially precarious, and his need for cash could result in bankruptcy—a sale that could reinforce existing Big Tech companies or open up access to sensitive data.
Supreme Court Oral Arguments in Moore v. Harper Discredit Election Theory That Could Undermine Democracy
Litigants’ oral arguments, along with questions from Supreme Court justices, revealed that the independent state legislature theory is meritless and should be rejected.
Supreme Court Decision in Moore v. Harper Could Harm Free and Fair Elections
This video explainer details the facts behind the Moore v. Harper case, its underlying arguments, and the harmful consequences for democracy if the Supreme Court's conservative majority overlooks history and precedent.
Congress Must Pass the Preventing a Patronage System Act To Protect Federal Civil Servants’ Impartiality
Passage of the Preventing a Patronage System Act is critical to allow civil servants to do their jobs and to ensure the federal government’s stability, reliability, and authority in domestic functions and international relations.
9 Ways the Supreme Court’s Decision in Moore v. Harper Could Harm Democracy
If the Supreme Court’s extreme conservative majority adopts the discredited independent state legislature theory, it could pose a huge setback for free and fair elections.
