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 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).

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).

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).

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).

What You Can Do

Recent work

Latest

A Conversation With U.K. Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy: Routes To Addressing Converging Domestic and Global Challenges Past Event

A Conversation With U.K. Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy: Routes To Addressing Converging Domestic and Global Challenges

How can U.S. and U.K. leaders increase cooperation under the “special relationship” to tackle the pressing issues that are converging both at home and abroad, including inclusive economies, threats to democracy, the climate crisis, and community justice and safety?

Washington Bill Would Limit Political Spending by Foreign-Influenced U.S. Corporations Testimony

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.

Michael Sozan

Safer Internet Day Past Event

Safer Internet Day

Join CAP for a conversation about raising awareness of emerging online issues and how we can work together to reduce online harm.

Fact Sheet: Common Challenges and Recommended Solutions for Implementing Pharmacist Prescribing of Contraceptives Fact Sheet
Person holding birth control pills

Fact Sheet: Common Challenges and Recommended Solutions for Implementing Pharmacist Prescribing of Contraceptives

This fact sheet accompanies a new Center for American Progress report on best practices to expand and improve contraceptive access at the state level, covering common implementation challenges and offering recommendations for expanding pharmacists’ prescriptive authority.

Kierra B. Jones

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