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Restoring Social Trust in Democracy

Democracy is under attack at home and abroad. We must act to ensure it is accessible to all, accountable, and can serve as a force of good.

A voting rights activist dresses as "Ms. Liberty," August 2021. (Getty/Alex Wong)
What We're Working On

What We're Doing

Increasing representation and access to our democracy

All Americans must have trust in elections and election results. All Americans also must have unimpeded access to the ballot box. That is why national voting standards are so important, along with laws that would protect against interference with valid election results.

Combating the spread of harmful dis- and misinformation

Disinformation, whether about COVID-19 or elections, undermines Americans’ safety and threatens our democracy. We seek to define the government’s role in combating it, give recommendations to online platforms to stem its spread, and support robust local media that can counter its worst effects.

Building a new framework to regulate online services

Americans’ lives are increasingly reliant on online services and affected by their economic, consumer, and civic harms. A robust regulatory framework, paired with new privacy protections and reinvigorated antitrust action, is needed to address the threats these services pose.

Countering violent political extremism

Countering insurgent threats is critical to maintaining our democracy. As part of this work, we have crafted a national blueprint with the McCain Institute to end white supremacist violence. Our plan draws on expertise across CAP and from more than 150 conversations with a diverse range of stakeholders.

By the numbers

59

Gerrymandering shifted an average of 59 seats in the U.S. House from 2012 to 2016.

Source: CAP, “Voter-Determined Districts” (2019).

Voter-Determined Districts

1 in 10

42 senators, representing only about 1/10 of the U.S. population, can filibuster popular bills.

Source: CAP, “The Impact of the Filibuster on Federal Policymaking” (2019).

A thunderstorm passes over the U.S. Capitol building, July 2019. (A thunderstorm passes over the U.S. Capitol building)
The Impact of the Filibuster on Federal Policymaking

30%

The U.S. population has grown by about 30% since the federal bench’s last meaningful expansion.

Source: CAP, “It Is Past Time for Congress To Expand the Lower Courts” (2021).

A a statue of blind justice is seen outside the Albert V. Bryan U.S. Courthouse in Alexandria, Virginia, September 2016. (Getty/AFP/Brendan Smialowski)
It Is Past Time for Congress To Expand the Lower Courts

81%

81% of voters believe tech companies have too much power and influence over politics and government.

Source: CAP Action, “Voters Support Enacting Stronger Consumer Protections Online” (2021).

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‘Drink In Moderation’ Upcoming Event
A person sits behind a computer in a dark room.

‘Drink In Moderation’

A live performance of an excerpt from a brand-new, topical play about content moderation.

Center for American Progress

Crushing the Commonwealth: Virginians Share How the Trump Administration’s Policies Are Hurting Them, Their Livelihoods, and the Virginia Economy Upcoming Event

Crushing the Commonwealth: Virginians Share How the Trump Administration’s Policies Are Hurting Them, Their Livelihoods, and the Virginia Economy

Please join the Center for American Progress for the next in a series of virtual events highlighting the impact that DOGE's cuts are having on the lives of everyday Americans; this event will focus on the Trump administration's impacts on Virginia.

Online only

The Senate’s AI Ban Applies to Every State, Not Just BEAD Recipients Article

The Senate’s AI Ban Applies to Every State, Not Just BEAD Recipients

Senate Republicans’ latest tax and budget bill draft includes a standalone 10-year federal ban on most state and local AI regulations, blocking states from addressing key harms such as algorithmic discrimination, regardless of whether they seek or have received broadband funding.

Nicole Alvarez

Listening To Lead: A Conversation With Gov. Tim Walz Past Event

Listening To Lead: A Conversation With Gov. Tim Walz

Join us for a conversation with Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) as part of CAP’s “What’s Next: Conversations on the Path Forward” series.

Center for American Progress and Online via Zoom

Point: America’s Law-and-Order Problem Is Donald Trump In the News

Point: America’s Law-and-Order Problem Is Donald Trump

In an op-ed published by Inside Sources, Damian Murphy argues that President Donald Trump's deployment of federal forces against protestors mirrors the actions of authoritarian regimes around the world.

Inside Sources

Damian Murphy

The Senate Republican Budget Bill Adds Broadband Funding That Favors Musk’s Starlink and Bans State AI Laws Article

The Senate Republican Budget Bill Adds Broadband Funding That Favors Musk’s Starlink and Bans State AI Laws

An additional $500 million of broadband funding provision in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act includes a national freeze on AI regulation by states, weaponizing public infrastructure against state action and potentially delivering a payday to Elon Musk’s satellite internet company.

Megan Shahi

America’s Role in the World: The Value of Leadership and Alliance Past Event

America’s Role in the World: The Value of Leadership and Alliance

Join us for a conversation with Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) as part of CAP’s “What’s Next: Conversations on the Path Forward” series.

Center for American Progress and online via Zoom

Trump’s Unconstitutional Actions Threaten Democracy In the News

Trump’s Unconstitutional Actions Threaten Democracy

In an op-ed published by DC Journal, Michael Sozan argues that it’s up to the courts, Congress, and Americans to exercise their collective responsibility and ensure the president answers to the people.

DC Journal

Michael Sozan

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