Restoring Social Trust in Democracy
Democracy is under attack at home and abroad. We must take swift action to ensure it is accessible to all, accountable, and can serve as a force of good.
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).
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
Supreme Court Oral Arguments in Moore v. Harper Discredit Election Theory That Could Undermine Democracy
Supreme Court Decision in Moore v. Harper Could Harm Free and Fair Elections
Congress Must Pass the Preventing a Patronage System Act To Protect Federal Civil Servants’ Impartiality
9 Ways the Supreme Court’s Decision in Moore v. Harper Could Harm Democracy
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The Opioid Epidemic Demands Public Health Solutions, Not False Claims About Immigration
The opioid epidemic is a public health issue that cannot be credibly linked to immigration or asylum-seekers.
A Legislative Proposal To Help Safeguard Elections
CAP’s new proposal can help a polarized Congress come together to protect democracy.
The Supreme Court Censoring History and Race Would Be a Mistake
Race-conscious remedies, such as voting rights protections and affirmative action in college admissions, are supported by the Constitution, are a part of American history, and are essential to equal opportunity.
Nuclear Escalation Would Be Disastrous for Russia
Lawrence J. Korb and Steve Cimbala argue why Russia would not be able to contain a nuclear war on Ukrainian territory.
Taking Migration Seriously: Real Solutions to Complex Challenges at the Border
In the face of election-cycle demagoguery on immigration, the Biden-Harris administration is moving forward with a serious, multipronged strategy to address the complex root causes of migration in the region.
Issues Potentially Affecting the 2022 Midterm Elections
This CAP memo outlines how to address challenges affecting the 2022 elections.
A Primer on the 2022 National Security Strategy
The 2022 National Security Strategy introduces new ideas on navigating strategic competition with China and Russia, investing at home, and a renewed focus on the fight against climate change.
The Expanding International Reach of China’s Police
China’s Ministry of Public Security has expanded its global activities, increasingly threatening U.S. interests and influencing security sector governance around the world.
Trump Is at the Center of the Multistep Scheme To Overturn a Valid Election
The January 6 committee provided more strong proof that Donald Trump masterminded the wide-ranging conspiracy to hold on to presidential power—and voted to issue a subpoena to force Trump to testify.
Protecting Election Workers and Officials From Threats and Harassment During the Midterms
As the 2022 general election gets underway, it’s critical that those on the front lines of our democracy—election workers and officials—are able to safely and effectively do their jobs to ensure that voters can cast ballots and that elections are freely and fairly administered.
Poll Workers Are Indispensable to the November Election
An estimated 1 million poll workers, who will voluntarily help administer this year’s election, are essential to strengthening our democracy and preserving the hallowed right to vote.
Key Moments From the January 6 Committee Hearings
Here is a collection of highlights from all eight January 6 committee hearings conducted so far.