Structural Reform and Governance

Democracy

The Democracy team is advancing an agenda to win structural reforms that strengthen the U.S. system and give everyone an equal voice in the democratic process.

Protestors raise their fists during a rally on the National Mall before the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., April 2006. (Getty/Mandel NGAN/AFP)

What we're doing

Safeguarding democracy by enacting bold structural reforms

To build a multiracial representative democracy, we need bold structural reforms that expand participation. We are leading policy analysis and research, communications, and advocacy to pass voting rights and democracy reform legislation in Congress to help defend democracy from the serious threats it faces.

Combating democratic decay and disinformation

We are leading cross-institutional work to combat the erosion of trust in government and in our elections—spread in part by the big lie about the 2020 election and a broader strategy by conservatives employed for decades. 

The Democracy team is advancing an agenda to win structural reforms that strengthen the U.S. system and give everyone an equal voice in the democratic process.

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Recent work

Partners & Coalitions

We are part of the 200+-organization Declaration for American Democracy coalition, the largest coalition of progressive groups assembled to fight for democracy reform—including intersectional advocacy, membership, and policy groups. 

Latest

Compact View

Down to the Roots: Building Rural Policy Around Rural Needs Upcoming Event
A man walks through a field of soybeans at sunset.

Down to the Roots: Building Rural Policy Around Rural Needs

This event will explore what it means to invest in rural communities on their own terms and build a rural policy agenda rooted in resilience, opportunity, and shared prosperity.

Center for American Progress and online via Zoom

Protecting the 2026 Midterm Elections: The Role of Key State Officials Upcoming Event
Election workers process ballots at the Los Angeles County Ballot Processing Center in the state’s primary election on June 2, 2026. (Getty/Mario Tama)

Protecting the 2026 Midterm Elections: The Role of Key State Officials

The Center for American Progress is hosting a discussion with state officials about their critical work to ensure Americans can cast their ballots in November.

Center for American Progress and online via Zoom

The Trump Administration May Be Planning To Unlawfully Order Federal Troops or Agents To Interfere in the Midterm Elections Video

The Trump Administration May Be Planning To Unlawfully Order Federal Troops or Agents To Interfere in the Midterm Elections

The Trump administration may be planning to send Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents or troops into polling places, a well-known tactic of authoritarian-minded leaders around the world. But people across the ideological spectrum should not give in to fear and should exercise their right to vote.

5 Quick Steps To Protect Your Right To Vote Article
An orange

5 Quick Steps To Protect Your Right To Vote

As misinformation and confusion about election integrity continue to spread, citizens can work to strengthen American democracy by focusing on what matters most—that individuals are ready to vote.

Ben Hovland

Despite President Trump’s Claims of Foreign Election Interference, He Has No Legal Authority To Declare a National Emergency and Unilaterally Nationalize Elections Article

Despite President Trump’s Claims of Foreign Election Interference, He Has No Legal Authority To Declare a National Emergency and Unilaterally Nationalize Elections

The U.S. Constitution provides absolutely no basis for presidents to declare a national emergency to take control of elections and displace state rules.

The Trump Administration Is Weaponizing the U.S. Postal Service To Unconstitutionally Impair Voting by Mail Video

The Trump Administration Is Weaponizing the U.S. Postal Service To Unconstitutionally Impair Voting by Mail

Under a directive from President Donald Trump found unconstitutional by several federal judges, the U.S. Postal Service is preparing to implement a rule turning itself into an election enforcement agency.

Fact Sheet: The Trump Administration Is Interfering in the 2026 Midterm Elections To Entrench the Imperial Presidency Fact Sheet
A man votes in a primary election on August 11, 2026, in Madison, Wisconsin.

Fact Sheet: The Trump Administration Is Interfering in the 2026 Midterm Elections To Entrench the Imperial Presidency

Having seized unprecedented control over the federal government, the Trump administration is now effectuating a multipronged plan to subvert the 2026 midterm elections, cementing its power and policy agenda without accountability.

Michael Sozan

The Trump Administration Is Interfering in the 2026 Midterm Elections To Entrench the Imperial Presidency Report

The Trump Administration Is Interfering in the 2026 Midterm Elections To Entrench the Imperial Presidency

The Trump administration has seized unprecedented control over the federal government and is now executing a plan to subvert the 2026 midterm elections—determined to entrench its power and continue its policy agenda without accountability.

Michael Sozan, Ben Olinsky

American Law at 250: The Supreme Court and Democracy Past 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

Government Insiders Must Be Prevented From Profiting on Prediction Markets at the Expense of National Security Report
Gannon Ken Van Dyke seen through window and behind tree

Government Insiders Must Be Prevented From Profiting on Prediction Markets at the Expense of National Security

Government employees’ use of insider information to profit on prediction markets raises both national security and ethical concerns, and there are several steps Congress and the president should take, including completely banning government employees’ use of prediction markets as a condition of employment.

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