Center for American Progress

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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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American Law at 250: The Supreme Court and Democracy Upcoming Event

American Law at 250: The Supreme Court and Democracy

Please join the Center for American Progress for a discussion of how the Supreme Court has transitioned into a blatantly political entity and what needs to be done to free it from political capture and reestablish it as a defender—not an enemy—of American democracy.

Online via Zoom

Burnham must avoid Starmer’s Trump mistake In the News

Burnham must avoid Starmer’s Trump mistake

In an op-ed for The Financial Times, Neera Tanden argues that as the new prime minister of the United Kingdom, Andy Burnham must take a stronger approach than his predecessor did.

The Financial Times

Neera Tanden

The debate over AGOA is missing the point In the News

The debate over AGOA is missing the point

In an op-ed for Semafor Africa, Daniele Nyirandutiye argues that in considering whether to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act, Congress is having the wrong debate.

Semafor Africa

Daniele Nyirandutiye

Strengthening American Democracy Article
A view of a U.S. flag.

Strengthening American Democracy

We can design a modernized democracy that finally achieves the goals of a government that is representative of and answerable to all people.

In Defense of Hawaii’s Corporate Redefinition In the News

In Defense of Hawaii’s Corporate Redefinition

In a Letter to the Editor in The Wall Street Journal, Tom Moore defended Hawaii's bipartisan law that limits corporate spending power in politics.

The Wall Street Journal

Tom Moore

The SAVE Act May Be Stalled in Congress, But State Versions Are Being Advanced All Across the Country Report
Voters check in with poll workers before casting their ballots.

The SAVE Act May Be Stalled in Congress, But State Versions Are Being Advanced All Across the Country

Fourteen states now have SAVE Act-like laws on the books requiring Americans to provide proof of their citizenship, chiefly a passport or birth certificate, to register to vote or stay registered; more are following in their footsteps.

Gréta Bedekovics, Devon Ombres

Why Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner Should Visit Ukraine In the News

Why Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner Should Visit Ukraine

In an op-ed for The National Interest, Damian Murphy argues that witnessing the destruction in Ukraine is critical for Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to engage in informed negotiations.

The National Interest

Damian Murphy

How to Rebuild Ukraine In the News

How to Rebuild Ukraine

In an op-ed for The National Interest, Luke Zahner argues that to rebuild Ukraine, the country's leadership and the international community will need a more unified approach.

The National Interest

Luke Zahner

Religious Liberty for Whom? Diverse Leaders Offer an Inclusive Vision Ahead of America 250 and the Trump Administration’s Report Past Event

Religious Liberty for Whom? Diverse Leaders Offer an Inclusive Vision Ahead of America 250 and the Trump Administration’s Report

Please join the Center for American Progress, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, Interfaith Alliance, and the American Humanist Association in Washington, D.C., for the launch of our new report, "Religious Liberty For All: Celebrating This Founding Freedom at America 250."

Center for American Progress

Religious Liberty for All: Celebrating This Founding Freedom at America 250 Report
A group of faith leaders standing together. The person in front is holding a megaphone.

Religious Liberty for All: Celebrating This Founding Freedom at America 250

This report brings together diverse voices in an expression of solidarity against a backdrop of the Trump administration’s Religious Liberty Commission to share why religious freedom matters and to protect religious freedom for all.

American Humanist Association, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, Interfaith Alliance, 1 More Center for American Progress

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