Democracy Policy

Americans Continue To Build a Peaceful Mass Movement To Force Trump Administration Changes

The October “No Kings” protests show that sustained mass mobilization is a potent force, and as history reveals, peaceful protests by just 3.5 percent of a nation’s population at a peak moment can make it extremely difficult for the government to ignore peoples’ demands.

7 Policy Recommendations for Combating Antisemitism in the United States

The surge in antisemitism seen in America today threatens the Jewish community and the nation’s democracy as a whole, and it necessitates a nonpartisan, whole-of-society effort to eradicate hate.

Undoing Citizens United and Reining in Super PACs

Please join the Center for American Progress for the national debut of a bold new approach that rewrites the rules of money in politics, combining a revolutionary state strategy to make Citizens United irrelevant with a federal plan to rein in super PACs once and for all.

Trump’s “Compact” With Colleges Will Put University Presidents in Legal Jeopardy

The White House’s proposed Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education is unconstitutional, unlawful, and will put universities and their administrators at direct risk from a politicized Justice Department.

The Path Forward: Ideas Worth Fighting For

The ideas in the Path Forward series present a roadmap for policymakers who want to offer a compelling alternative to populist authoritarianism by addressing people’s problems with bold ideas.

Q&A on CAP’s Plan To Beat Citizens United

CAP Senior Fellow Tom Moore answers questions from TikTok users about how states can reclaim their authority to get corporations and dark money groups out of politics.

Introducing CAP’s Plan To Beat Citizens United

In this video, CAP Senior Fellow Tom Moore explains a bold new strategy for how states can use their longstanding authority over corporations to take corporate and dark money out of politics.

Securing American Democracy: A Conversation With Sen. Adam Schiff

Join the Center for American Progress for a conversation with Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) as part of CAP’s “What’s Next: Conversations on the Path Forward” series.

Does a Politically Directed Department of Justice Merit the Presumption of Regularity?

Federal courts should begin—and litigants should ask them—to take notice of rampant irregularity coming out of the Department of Justice.

Americans want dark money out of politics. We don’t have to wait for Supreme Court.

In an op-ed published by USA Today, Tom Moore lays out a legal strategy to undo Citizens United and clamp down on the flow of dark-money spending in U.S. politics.

The Corporate Power Reset That Makes Citizens United Irrelevant

By using their authority to define what corporations are—and what powers they hold—states can end the era of corporate and dark money in U.S. politics.

Undoing Citizens United and Reining In Super PACs

By resetting corporate powers and treating super PACs like every other PAC, Congress and the states can begin to undo the damage caused by Citizens United.

Trump Ordered Texas To Gerrymander 5 New Republican-Leaning Congressional Districts—This Is How Other States Can Fight Back

An agreement to set aside redistricting commissions is needed in order to level the playing field in this redistricting arms race.

President Trump’s Recent Actions in Washington, D.C., Are an Abuse of Power and Threaten Public Safety for All

Authorizing the deployment of National Guard troops and federalizing the local police force are dangerous political theatrics that threaten democracy nationwide.

State Voting Rights Acts: Capstone

This is the final video in the “State Voting Rights Acts: Explained” video series created by the Center for American Progress and the Legal Defense Fund.

How Peaceful Protest by Just 3.5 Percent of Americans Could Force Major Policy Changes From the Trump Administration

History shows that when just 3.5 percent of a population—about 12 million Americans—engage in peaceful protest, their demands become nearly impossible to ignore. This is particularly relevant today, as Americans continue to defend due process and health care rights amid a rise in authoritarian policies.

Peaceful Protest by a Mere 3.5 Percent of Americans Can Force Positive Governmental Change

If just 3.5 percent of Americans—12 million people—mobilize to peacefully protest the authoritarian actions of the Trump administration, it would be virtually impossible for the government to ignore their demands.

State Voting Rights Acts: Voter Suppression

This is the sixth video in the “State Voting Rights Acts: Explained” video series created by the Center for American Progress and the Legal Defense Fund.

Mapping Federal Funding Cuts to U.S. Colleges and Universities

American science and innovation should not be subject to the political winds of the day. Find out how the Trump administration’s grant terminations are affecting your school, your community, and your future.

An Urgent Warning from Texas: A Conversation on Defending Democracy and Fighting Authoritarianism in the States

Join former Rep. Beto O'Rourke (D-TX), Norm Eisen, and CAP President and CEO Neera Tanden for this crucial discussion.

Democracy on the Line: Global Lessons on Countering Authoritarianism

Join the Center for American Progress for a critical conversation on what it takes to defend democracy.

Media Companies Like Paramount Should Think Twice Before Settling With Trump

In an op-ed published by Talking Points Memo, Michael Sozan argues that CBS/Paramount's decision to settle with Donald Trump will have devastating consequences for the company.

10 Egregious Things You May Not Know About the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

Congressional Republicans’ radical budget and tax bill includes several less-known provisions that will increase costs, fuel the Trump administration’s overreach, and waste taxpayer dollars.

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.

State Voting Rights Acts: Language Access

This is the fifth video in the “State Voting Rights Acts: Explained” video series created by the Center for American Progress and the Legal Defense Fund.

Democracy on the Line: Standing Up to the Trump Administration’s Attacks on Free Speech

Civil society is standing up to threats from the Trump administration.

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.

Democracy on the Line: How We Got Here and How To Stop an Authoritarian Takeover

Please join the Center for American Progress for a virtual event on the significance of what is happening to American democracy and how we can prevent authoritarianism from taking root.

Trump’s Deployment of National Guard to Los Angeles Is a Dangerous Escalation That Will Inflame Tensions

The deployment of the National Guard to Los Angeles is dangerous, unnecessary, and an abuse of power that puts communities and servicemembers at risk.

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.

Reconciliation Provision Would Let Executive Branch Dismantle Nonprofits Under Pretext of Fighting Terrorism

The House’s tax portion of the reconciliation bill would give unprecedented power to the executive branch and allow it to unilaterally designate nonprofits as “terrorist supporting organizations,” possibly silencing them overnight.

Pushing Back and Moving Forward: A Conversation With Sen. Chris Van Hollen

Join us for the second installment of CAP’s “What’s Next: Conversations on the Path Forward” series.

The Trump Administration and the FCC Are Weakening Freedom of the Press and Hurting Americans

President Donald Trump and the Federal Communications Commission are taking unprecedented steps that weaken the media’s First Amendment rights and misuse the regulatory process, as seen in ongoing proceedings involving CBS.

State Voting Rights Acts: Preclearance

This is the fourth video in the “State Voting Rights Acts: Explained” video series created by the Center for American Progress and the Legal Defense Fund.

A.J.T. v. Osseo Area Schools: The Case That Could Help or Harm America’s Disabled Students

A pending U.S. Supreme Court case could make it much harder for students with disabilities to sue their schools for discrimination, potentially limiting access to schooling for millions of Americans.

Trump’s First 100 Days: Creating an Imperial Presidency That Harms Americans

President Donald Trump is smashing constitutional and legal guardrails to build an authoritarian presidency that cements his political power and ultimately harms Americans.

Trump’s Unlawful Removal of Independent Agency Leaders Threatens Hard-Won Protections

Join the Center for American Progress for a panel discussion about the vital role that independent agencies play in protecting Americans.

How Independent Federal Agencies Help Americans

Independent agencies protect Americans and their communities from bank failures, dangerous products, scams, transportation disasters, and everything in between.

The Positive Power of Three at the FEC: Project Ripcord

Tom Moore writes in Stetson Journal of Advocacy and the Law about the role of a plan at the U.S. Federal Election Commission known as "Project Ripcord" in enforcement of federal campaign-finance law.

State Voting Rights Acts: Voter Intimidation

This is the third video in the “State Voting Rights Acts: Explained” video series created by the Center for American Progress and the Legal Defense Fund.

Trump’s Executive Order on Elections Aims to Dictate How States Run Elections and Handpicks Which Citizens Can Vote

If enforced, the executive order would block tens of millions of eligible Americans from the ballot box and empower DOGE to review Americans’ voter registration status.

The SAVE Act: The Bill That Could Block Millions of Americans From Voting

Please join the Center for American Progress for a virtual event to hear from, and ask questions of, CAP experts about their work on the SAVE Act, how the legislation would affect tens of millions of Americans, and what you can do to help prevent its passage.

Trial Court Appears Skeptical of Trump Interpretation of Humphrey’s Executor

The judge in Wilcox v. Trump seems sympathetic toward the NLRB board member in a case that could reshape independent agencies’ ability to protect Americans.

State Voting Rights Acts: Racial Vote Dilution

This is the second video in the “State Voting Rights Acts: Explained” video series created by the Center for American Progress and the Legal Defense Fund.

The SAVE Act Could Keep Millions of Transgender Americans From Voting

Should this legislation pass, it would further discrimination against transgender people and could keep millions of voters out of the voting booth.

The SAVE Act Would Force Many Rural Americans To Drive Hours To Register To Vote

Under the SAVE Act, many rural Americans would be forced to drive hours and cross hundreds of miles to show documentation of citizenship, in person, in order to register to vote. Some would be forced to drive as many as eight hours and make interstate journeys.

Trump’s War on America Risks a Wave of Catastrophes

President Trump’s reckless dismantling of government agencies and safeguards exposes America to a wave of preventable disasters.

What Is Humphrey’s Executor and Why Should You Care About It?

The Supreme Court case Humphrey’s Executor v. United States properly insulates independent agencies from undue presidential influence as they help protect Americans’ health, safety, and prosperity.

The right of Coloradans to vote should be protected

In an op-ed published by Colorado Newsline, Rebecca Mears urges Colorado legislators to pass the pending state voting rights act in order to protect equitable voting access for all Coloradans and safeguard them from voting practices that lead to deeper racial disparities.

Highlights From ‘Winning the Fight for Voting Rights: State Voting Rights Acts’

The freedom to vote is under attack across the country, especially for Black voters and other voters of color. States can join the growing movement to protect the freedom to vote and remove barriers to the ballot box by enacting their own voting rights acts.

The SAVE Act: Overview and Facts

The SAVE Act would require all Americans to prove their citizenship with documentation unavailable to millions and upend the way every American citizen registers to vote.

The SAVE Act Would Disenfranchise Millions of Citizens

The SAVE Act would require all Americans to prove their citizenship with documentation unavailable to millions and upend the way every American citizen registers to vote.

La Ley SAVE: Resumen y Hechos

La Ley SAVE requeriría que todos los estadounidenses demuestren su ciudadanía con documentación que no está disponible para millones de ciudadanos y cambiaría la forma en que cada ciudadano estadounidense se registra para votar.

Introduction to State Voting Rights Acts

This is the first video in the “State Voting Rights Acts: Explained” video series created by the Center for American Progress and the Legal Defense Fund.

Winning the Fight for Voting Rights: State Voting Rights Acts

Please join the Legal Defense Fund and the Center for American Progress for this special virtual event to watch the first video in the “State Voting Rights Acts: Explained" video series and a discussion about state voting rights acts.

Mears: Michigan must pass its voting rights act

In an op-ed published by The Detroit News, Rebecca Mears urges Michigan lawmakers to pass their State Voting Rights Act before their congressional session ends on Thursday.

The Freedom To Vote: The Power of Casting a Ballot

Stephanie Hicks’ story of re-enfranchisement in Alabama speaks to how the lives of more than 3 million disenfranchised Americans could be transformed.

Election Certification: What You Need To Know

It is unlawful for election officials to act outside the law to refuse to certify election results.

The Freedom To Vote: The Pride and Empowerment That Come With the Right To Vote

Ronald McKeithen’s story of re-enfranchisement in Alabama speaks to how the lives of more than 3 million disenfranchised Americans could be transformed.

How Alabama Elections Would Look Different if the Freedom to Vote Act Had Been Enacted

Passage of the Freedom to Vote Act would have expanded access to voter registration and the ballot box for millions of Alabamians for the 2024 election.

The Freedom to Vote: How Re-enfranchisement Would Strengthen Democracy

Timothy Lanier’s story of disenfranchisement in Alabama speaks to the reality of the more than 3 million Americans who are denied their right to vote.

How the Freedom to Vote Act Could Have Changed the 2024 Election

In an op-ed published by Democracy Docket, Greta Bedekovics illustrates how significantly the Freedom to Vote Act could have changed this year’s elections for the better if it had not been blocked by the filibuster in 2022.

How West Virginia Elections Would Look Different if the Freedom to Vote Act Had Been Enacted

Passage of the Freedom to Vote Act would have expanded access to voter registration and the ballot box for thousands of West Virginians for the 2024 election.

How North Carolina Elections Would Look Different if the Freedom to Vote Act Had Been Enacted

Passage of the Freedom to Vote Act would have expanded access to voter registration and the ballot box for millions of North Carolinians for the 2024 election.

How Delaware Elections Would Look Different if the Freedom to Vote Act Had Been Enacted

Passage of the Freedom to Vote Act would have expanded access to voter registration and the ballot box for millions of Delawareans for the 2024 election.

How Kentucky Elections Would Look Different if the Freedom to Vote Act Had Been Enacted

Passage of the Freedom to Vote Act would have expanded access to voter registration and the ballot box for millions of Kentuckians for the 2024 election.

How the Biden-Harris Administration Is Ensuring Voting Accessibility

Disabled voters face significant barriers to voting, which the Biden-Harris administration has taken significant action to address.

How Wisconsin Elections Would Look Different if the Freedom to Vote Act Had Been Enacted

Passage of the Freedom to Vote Act would have expanded access to voter registration and the ballot box for millions of Wisconsinites for the 2024 election.

How Florida Elections Would Look Different if the Freedom to Vote Act Had Been Enacted

Passage of the Freedom to Vote Act would have expanded access to voter registration and the ballot box for millions of Floridians for the 2024 election.

Counterpoint: Supreme Court Is Headed Further Right Next Term

Devon Ombres writes in "DC Journal" about the future of the U.S. Supreme Court.

How Ohio Elections Would Look Different if the Freedom to Vote Act Had Been Enacted

Passage of the Freedom to Vote Act would have expanded access to voter registration and the ballot box for millions of Ohioans for the 2024 election.

How Texas Elections Would Look Different if the Freedom to Vote Act Had Been Enacted

Passage of the Freedom to Vote Act would have expanded access to voter registration and the ballot box for millions of Texans for the 2024 election.

Project 2025 Would Destroy the U.S. System of Checks and Balances and Create an Imperial Presidency

Far-right extremists have a plan to shatter democracy’s guardrails, giving presidents almost unlimited power to implement policies that will hurt everyday Americans and strip them of fundamental rights.

Pass the Freedom to Vote Act: How Elections Would Look Different This Year and in the Future

Key voting rights legislation that Congress has been working to pass for years would have transformed election administration and security across the country ahead of the 2024 election cycle and guaranteed all Americans easy access to the ballot box.

A Roadmap To Ensure All Americans Are Effectively Represented by Their Government

A commonsense and bold set of reforms can build a strong democracy for the 21st century and a government that is responsive to everyday people.

Democracies Deliver Better Economic Opportunities, Rights, and Health for Their People

7 Reasons Americans Should Care About Their Democracy

Core shared values are foundational to a strong American democracy that reflects the will of the people.

Government Is Failing Many Americans, But Rejecting Democracy Is Not the Answer

The solution to an unresponsive democracy is not replacing it with autocracy, but instead building a stronger system answerable to the people.

An American Democracy Built for the People: Why Democracy Matters and How To Make It Work for the 21st Century

Although democracy is failing to meet the needs of many Americans, it is far preferable to an autocratic system, and it can be modernized with a compelling set of reforms.

Reforming Elections for a Better Democracy: Alaska as a Case Study

This video about Alaska’s “Final Four” election system brings together Alaskan legislative leaders from across the aisle to discuss how this system works and early results indicating this reform can create a more representative democracy, decrease polarization, and help incentivize consensus building and more bipartisan governing.

Gen Z Voters Could Determine the Outcome of the 2024 Elections If They Turn Out

In an op-ed published in Teen Vogue, Rebecca Mears describes how young voters ages 18 to 24 have the power to shape the course of the 2024 presidential election.

Fact Sheet: Local School Board Elections Matter

Local school boards help shape their communities, yet few people show up to their elections.

5 Reasons To Pay Attention to Local School Board Elections

As voters prepare for election season, they should not discount the importance of their local school boards.

CAP Changemakers: Reforming the Courts

This conversation with Devon Ombres and Jake Faleschini highlights CAP’s role in the current movement to reform the courts in an effort to make justice more fair and transparent.

The Power of One Vote

Elections help determine the quality of the air Americans breathe, the water they drink, and everything else in between; and more often than people realize, these elections come down to just a handful of votes.

CAP Comment on the FCC’s Proposed Rule for the Disclosure of AI-Generated Content in Political and Issue Ads

The Center for American Progress submitted a comment to the Federal Communications Commission explaining that the FCC’s proposed rule aligns with existing policies and practices.

Practical Steps To Build Strong Political Norms and Stop Political Violence

As American democracy faces significant challenges, people must work together to help set healthy political norms and reject a culture that allows political violence to flourish.

We can mend our national division

In an op-ed published by The Baltimore Sun, Michael Sozan, Cissy Jackson, and the Cato Institute’s Walter Olson offer guidance on how to turn down the temperature in this fraught political moment.

Despite Defying His Own Lawful Subpoena, Rep. Jim Jordan Has Issued At Least 91 Subpoenas to Others

Accountability is needed for Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), who has created an antidemocratic, two-tiered system of justice as chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.

The Supreme Court’s Presidential Immunity Case, the Threat to Democracy, and the Path Forward

Please join the Center for American Progress for a virtual event that will address the threats the current U.S. Supreme Court and a future president could pose to the foundation of American democracy.

Project 2025 Would End DHS Law Enforcement Training

The Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers would be collateral damage in Project 2025’s proposed dismantling of the Department of Homeland Security.

Democracy at a Crossroads: A Q&A About Free and Fair Elections With EAC Chairman Benjamin Hovland

As America’s election system continues to face formidable challenges, Chairman Benjamin Hovland of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission again shares his views with CAP about ways to respond.

The Far Right’s Invitation for Foreign Interference in U.S. Elections

U.S. elections belong in the hands of the American people alone, but the far right is trying to roll back foreign interference protections and allow adversaries to tip the scales in elections.

New Jersey voters have fewer protections than New Yorkers. It’s time to fix that.

Rebecca Mears argues in the New Jersey Monitor why the state of New Jersey should pass its own voting rights act.

Citizens United Overreach: New CAP Report Reveals Legal Risk in For-Profit Corporate Boards’ Political Spending

Join CAP for a virtual discussion on Citizens United overreach.

Voting Rights in Alabama

The Legacy of the Civil Rights Movement, the Battle Against Voter Suppression Today, and the Need for Federal Solutions

How the Racist History of the Filibuster Lives on Today

By blocking the passage of the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, the filibuster continues its long history as an institutional tool used to oppress Black and brown Americans.

Citizens United Gave Corporations, But Not Their Boards, the Authority To Spend in Candidate Elections

Since 2010, corporate boards and management have been handing over the constitutional rights of individual U.S.-citizen shareholders to large shareholders and foreign nationals; shareholders can put a stop to this, and lawmakers, regulators, and courts can help them.

The Legacy of the Civil Rights Movement and the Continued Fight for Rights

A conversation with Sen. Doug Jones and civil rights attorney Fred Gray

The Protection of Voting Rights Requires State Action

As legislation on voting rights awaits action in Congress—and states continue to pass restrictive, discriminatory voting policies and the courts strip federal voter protections—states must step up and protect the right to vote.

Sen. Mark Warner Discusses the Potential Impacts of the Murthy v. Missouri Case

The policy implications are wide-ranging.

5 Reasons Why Careening From Near Shutdown to Near Shutdown Is Bad for America

While avoiding a federal government shutdown is important, the chaos of constant shutdown threats; uncertainties about funding; and patchwork continuing resolutions are still detrimental for the government’s ability to provide services and the health of American democracy.

The Supreme Court’s Assault on Government Could Make the Far-Right’s Dreams Come True

The Supreme Court could strip power away from Congress and the president in several cases this term in ways that will make life worse for everyday Americans.

2024 Hawaii 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 Hawaii Senate in support of S.B. 3243, a bill that would strengthen campaign-related spending disclosure requirements and limit political spending by U.S. corporations with appreciable foreign ownership.

2024 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 H.B. 1885, a bill that would strengthen campaign-related spending disclosure requirements and limit political spending by U.S. corporations with appreciable foreign ownership.

DeSantis’ Lackluster Campaign Unleashed Campaign Finance’s Nightmare Scenario

In an op-ed for TPM, Tom Moore explains how Ron DeSantis’ campaign failures may have opened the door for an even bigger disaster in the form of an alarming loophole in federal campaign finance law.

Filibustered! How to Fix the Broken Senate and Save America

If we want to fix what ails America, we have to fix the Senate. And if we want to fix the Senate, we must fix the broken filibuster.

Point: Confronting the Stain of an Insurrection on American Democracy

Greta Bedekovics writes in "DC Journal" about the January 6 insurrection.

8 Ways To Protect American Democracy

To safeguard American democracy, it is important to both protect elections in 2024 and address systemic issues to protect those in the future.

Is Alaska the Secret to Saving American Democracy?

How Electoral System Reform Can Reduce Polarization, Increase Voters’ Choices, and Incentivize Bipartisan Policymaking

Extinguishing the Fires of Political Violence

A Bipartisan Discussion About Current Threats and Potential Solutions, cosponsored by the McCain Institute

Threats From Political Minority Rule in Wisconsin and North Carolina

Partisan legislators in Wisconsin and North Carolina are aggressively erecting anti-democracy barriers to lock out a growing political majority and hinder America’s progress.

Supreme Court’s Push to Weaken Government Oversight Opens Door for Meta to Attack FTC

Meta piggybacks off of the Supreme Court SEC v. Jarkesy oral argument to assert the FTC is unconstitutional.

2023 CAP IDEAS Conference

Join the Center for American Progress as we celebrate 20 years of innovative policy solutions and look boldly forward to a progressive future.

Trump and His Allies Are Starting To Face Accountability for Their Plot To Overturn the 2020 Presidential Election

The justice system is beginning to bring a measure of accountability for the events surrounding the unconstitutional conspiracy to overturn the 2020 presidential election—a welcome development for the rule of law.

The CHIPS and Science Act Will Bring Technology and Manufacturing Investment to Rural Areas and Communities of Color

The Tech Hubs program within the CHIPS and Science Act is a major opportunity to provide equitable access to industry for underserved communities and economic growth for the country at large.

9 Ways the Freedom to Vote Act Would Strengthen Democracy

This transformative federal legislation would bolster democracy by expanding the right to vote, combating corruption, and reducing dangerous political extremism.

CAP Comment Urges CFTC To Reject Proposal To Allow Betting on Elections

The Center for American Progress submitted a comment to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission opposing KalshiEX LLC's proposed congressional control event contracts, arguing that Kalshi's proposal amounts to allowing gambling on U.S. elections and is squarely against the public interest.

Supreme Court’s Decision in Moore v. Harper Is a Win for Democracy, But Some Questions Remain Unanswered

The U.S. Supreme Court rejected a maximalist interpretation of the independent state legislature theory while leaving the door open for future litigation.

Foreign-influenced corporations must stop meddling in domestic affairs

Gordon Laxer and Michael Sozan write about how discussion on foreign-influenced corporations' political spending in the United States can inform Canada's policies on the matter.

A blueprint for democracy: What America can learn from Michigan’s reforms

Greta Bedekovics and Ashleigh Maciolek argue that Michigan has become a national model for strengthening democracy.

Nationwide Momentum Grows To Stop Political Spending by Foreign-Influenced U.S. Corporations

This people-powered policy helps protect U.S. democracy and rests on strong legal foundation.

How Michigan Became a Blueprint for Strengthening Democracy

Despite an increasingly partisan national landscape, Michigan has implemented key voting and representation reforms and set a trailblazing example for transformative change, largely due to citizen-initiated constitutional amendments.

Erdoğan’s Reelection Illustrates the Bleak Future of Turkish Democracy

Turkey saw unprecedented political mobilization, partly because going to the ballot box offered one of the last opportunities to make one’s voice heard. But little changed.

Revelations About Justice Clarence Thomas Reinforce the Need for Justices to Be Bound by an Ethics Code

Media reports that Justice Clarence Thomas accepted lavish yacht trips and private jet rides without publicly disclosing them underscore the urgent need for Supreme Court justices to be bound by a binding code of ethics just like other federal judges and members of Congress.

Trump and His Allies Must Be Held Accountable for the January 6 Insurrection

Without full accountability for the events surrounding the unconstitutional plot to overturn the 2020 presidential election, U.S. democracy remains under substantial threat.

The Summit for Democracy Highlights Need for Global Leaders to Address Tech Harms

We cannot expect technology companies to protect democracies if they do not integrate democratic values such as transparency, pluralism, protections against harm, and accountability into the fabric of their operations and governance.

Prominent Conservatives Warn About Dangerous Potential Repercussions of Moore v. Harper

Conservative experts are sending sharp warnings that the meritless independent state legislature theory could undermine democracy and should be rejected by the U.S. Supreme Court and other courts.

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.

Hawaii 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 Hawaii Senate in support of S.B. 1179, a bill that would limit political spending by U.S. corporations with appreciable foreign ownership.

California 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 California State Assembly in support of A.B. 83, a bill that would limit political spending by U.S. corporations with appreciable foreign ownership.

It’s Time To Talk About Electoral Reform

To fix the dysfunction in American politics, reformers should consider fundamental changes to the electoral rules.

Minnesota 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 Minnesota House of Representatives’ Committee on Elections Finance and Policy in support of H.F. 117, a bill to stop political spending by foreign-influenced U.S. corporations.

Key Takeaways From the January 6 Report

After an attempt to overturn the 2020 election, democracy demands that Trump and his MAGA allies be held accountable.

2022 Progressive Wins Countdown

The Center for American Progress presents a compilation of short videos counting down to the new year with recent progressive wins.

January 6 Final Hearing: 4 Criminal Referrals

The January 6 committee identified four criminal referrals against Donald Trump and his MAGA allies.

Supreme Court Oral Arguments in Moore v. Harper Discredit Election Theory That Could Undermine Democracy

Litigants’ oral arguments, along with questions from Supreme Court justices, revealed that the independent state legislature theory is meritless and should be rejected.

Supreme Court Decision in Moore v. Harper Could Harm Free and Fair Elections

This video explainer details the facts behind the Moore v. Harper case, its underlying arguments, and the harmful consequences for democracy if the Supreme Court's conservative majority overlooks history and precedent.

Congress Must Pass the Preventing a Patronage System Act To Protect Federal Civil Servants’ Impartiality

Passage of the Preventing a Patronage System Act is critical to allow civil servants to do their jobs and to ensure the federal government’s stability, reliability, and authority in domestic functions and international relations.

9 Ways the Supreme Court’s Decision in Moore v. Harper Could Harm Democracy

If the Supreme Court’s extreme conservative majority adopts the discredited independent state legislature theory, it could pose a huge setback for free and fair elections.

Election Deniers Lost Key Races for Federal and State Offices in the 2022 Midterm Elections

Candidates who questioned or denied the outcome of the 2020 presidential election lost key races in the midterms as voters across the country elected pro-democracy candidates.

New Allegations of a Leak by Justice Alito Underscore the Need for Supreme Court Reform

Shocking allegations that Justice Samuel Alito leaked the decision in the 2014 Supreme Court Hobby Lobby case must catalyze a bipartisan effort to reform the court and impose a binding, enforceable code of ethics on its justices.

U.S. Election Funding: 5 Myths Debunked

Here are the reasons why state spending of federal election funding is significant, why some states are not spending it as quickly as some policymakers want, and why Congress must continue to invest in funding federal elections.

Elections Must Be Secure and Accessible for All in the Wake of Natural Disasters and Events

Hurricane Ian was just the latest in a series of natural disasters and events that have disrupted elections; it’s past time we make elections climate resistant.

Finding Common Ground to Address Threats to Our Elections

Please join the Center for American Progress for a virtual event that will assess the current threats to our elections, analyze what state officials are doing to address the issues, and explore how Americans can come together to safeguard our democracy.

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.

Issues Potentially Affecting the 2022 Midterm Elections

This CAP memo outlines how to address challenges affecting the 2022 elections.

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.

A Conversation With Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall

Discussing Air Force and Space Force personnel, the crisis in Ukraine, competition with China, human rights, and the role of the U.S. in the world

Electoral Count Act Reform Is Now Within Reach

With the latest version of the Electoral Count Reform Act, the Senate just a took a critical step toward preventing another insurrection.

Supreme Court May Adopt Extreme MAGA Election Theory That Threatens Democracy

In its upcoming term, the Supreme Court will decide Moore v. Harper, a case involving the extreme “independent state legislature” theory that endangers free and fair elections.

What To Expect When the January 6 Hearings Resume

Here’s everything you need to know before the U.S. House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol resumes its hearings September 28.

National Film Premiere: ‘Suppressed and Sabotaged: The Fight to Vote’

Please join CAP's Reel Progress program and Brave New Films for a film screening of "Suppressed and Sabotaged: The Fight to Vote," followed by a discussion with a panel of esteemed experts.

January 6 Hearing Day 8: 187 Minutes of Trump’s Inaction

For more than 187 deadly minutes, Trump watched his armed mob take over the Capitol and did nothing about it.

January 6 Hearing Day 8: Trump Refused To Call Off the Mob

Center for American Progress Senior Fellow Michael Sozan breaks down Donald Trump and his allies' dangerous scheme to hold onto power at any cost.

The Collins-Manchin Bill Is a Good Deal for Democracy

The new Senate proposal to reform the Electoral Count Act would help prevent the overthrow of a presidential election.

Liz Cheney Should Be Heralded for Her January 6th Committee Work

Mike Sozan discusses the role that Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) is playing in the ongoing January 6 investigation.

Fixing Our Broken Courts

Join CAP and the Brennan Center for Justice a discussion on opportunities for structural reform of the Supreme Court and the courts more generally.

January 6 Hearing Day 7: Donald Trump Summoned a Mob

What happened on January 6, 2021, was not an accident; Donald Trump invited a violent mob to the Capitol in an effort to overturn a valid election.

Extremist US Politicians Are Aiding and Abetting Autocratic Hungarian Regime

The extreme right brazenly supports Hungarian efforts to impede U.S. and European Union allied interests, subverting policies that would ensure corporations pay their fair share and sanction Russia for its Ukraine invasion.

January 6 Hearing Day 6: Who Is Cassidy Hutchinson?

Providing new details about the January 6 insurrection, Cassidy Hutchinson testified how Donald Trump tried to hang onto his power by any means necessary.

January 6 Hearing Day 5: Here’s What Happened

Donald Trump and MAGA extremists came dangerously close to weaponizing the U.S. Department of Justice in their desperate attempt to overturn the election.

January 6 Hearing Day 4: Here’s What Happened

Donald Trump and MAGA extremists are still attacking elections. If they are not held accountable, the United States cannot preserve democracy.

January 6 Hearing Day 3: How Donald Trump Turned the Mob on Mike Pence

When Mike Pence made it clear he would not give in to Donald Trump's scheme, Trump turned the mob on him.

January 6 Hearing Day 1: January 6 Was a Coordinated Attack

Center for American Progress expert William J. Roberts explains the weight of the bipartisan January 6 hearings.

January 6 Hearing Day 1: Here’s What Happened

Carnage. Chaos. Crime. January 6 was not a random event; it was a coordinated, deliberate conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election.

How Americans Can Fight Back Against a Radical Supreme Court Majority

Responding to the judicial overreach of a radical Supreme Court majority will require long-term structural reforms to the courts and immediate action to mitigate the harms caused by their wrongly decided decisions.

Hearings reveal Trump’s vast plan to overturn Americans’ votes

William Roberts and Michael Sozan outline the evidence presented in the January 6 House Select Committee hearings and argue for stronger protections of voting rights.

Fact Sheet: Stopping Political Spending by Foreign-Influenced U.S. Corporations

Bright-line foreign-ownership thresholds would close the loophole on inappropriate election and ballot-related spending by foreign-influenced American corporations.

Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson Has Been Confirmed to the U.S. Supreme Court

History made: Judge Jackson will be the first Black woman to be a Supreme Court justice.

San Jose Bill Would Limit Political Spending by Foreign-Influenced U.S. Corporations

An ordinance recommended by several of San Jose’s councilmembers would help protect the city’s elections and ballot measures by prohibiting American corporations with appreciable foreign ownership from spending political dollars.

A ban on congressional stock trading is about one thing: Trust

CAP President and CEO Patrick Gaspard writes about how banning congressional stock trading can help restore trust in government.

Hawaii Bill, With Amendments, Would Limit Political Spending by Foreign-Influenced U.S. Corporations

Michael Sozan, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, provided testimony supporting S.B. 166, with amendments, which would prohibit foreign-influenced U.S. corporations from engaging in political spending in the state of Hawaii.

How To Save American Democracy

The threat to U.S. elections is real—here is how policymakers can address it.

The Pro-Democracy Faith Movement

Join us on December 15 to hear from prominent faith leaders about America’s pro-democracy faith movement. They will share their vision for what it takes to build a more inclusive democracy based on their wisdom traditions rooted in hope, resilience, and systemic transformation.

Imagine a Filibuster-Free Future

It's time to say farewell to the filibuster so Congress can pass vital and popular legislation on voting rights, equal pay, and more.

4 Ways Reforming the Filibuster Will Improve Lives

It's time to say farewell to the filibuster so Congress can pass vital and popular legislation on voting rights, equal pay, and more.

Democracy in Peril: A Q&A About the Future of Elections with EAC Commissioner Benjamin Hovland

With our nation’s system of election administration facing profound challenges, Commissioner Benjamin Hovland of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission shares his thoughts on the path forward.

Senate Must Reform Filibuster To Pass Voting Rights Bills After Senate Republicans Again Block Legislation

The Senate must elevate saving democracy over the arcane Senate filibuster rules, which have been amended many times before.

The Freedom to Vote Act Would Counteract State Laws That Undermine Elections

Far-reaching federal legislation would set national standards to combat many new state laws aimed at suppressing voters and sabotaging valid election results.

Massachusetts Bills Would Limit Political Spending by Foreign-Influenced Corporations

Michael Sozan, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, provided testimony supporting three Massachusetts structural reform bills that would prohibit political spending by foreign-influenced U.S. corporations.

Enhancing Accessibility in U.S. Elections

Voters with disabilities must have full and equal access to the ballot box.

Clean Slate Is Critical for a Healthy Democracy

The automatic clearing of eligible criminal records can help to foster civic engagement and build a healthier democracy.

‘Justice for All’ Requires Access to Justice

The Biden administration can further advance its key priorities by restoring federal leadership on access to justice issues.

How the Biden Administration Can Tackle America’s Voter Turnout Problem

By engaging with advocates and policymakers, a National Task Force on Civic Engagement and Voter Participation can increase Americans’ civic engagement.

The Biden Administration Should Honor America’s Democracy Heroes

Those who brought democracy back from the brink deserve recognition from the country’s highest office.

The Pro-Democracy Faith Movement

CAP brought together diverse religious leaders to explore the values underpinning the faith community’s support of democracy.

Qualified Immunity and the Bivens Doctrines Explained

Americans’ civil liberties are in danger if Congress does not ensure that ordinary people can hold state and federal officials accountable for wrongdoing.

Momentum Grows for Bold Democracy Reform

In the next several months, Congress is poised to pass the For the People Act, transformative democracy reform legislation.

The Need for a White House Office of Democracy Reform

The Biden-Harris administration should have staff in the White House who are specifically focused on strengthening American democracy.

The State of Women’s Leadership—And How To Continue Changing the Face of U.S. Politics

Women—particularly women of color—continue to make noteworthy gains at all levels of government, but bold policies and structural changes are still needed to reach gender parity in U.S. politics.

How the Biden Administration Can Reduce the Political Spending of Foreign-Influenced U.S. Corporations

Commonsense executive actions can limit improper foreign influence in elections.

The Role of Rural Communities of Color in the 2020 Election

The diversity and complexity of rural voters were on display in the 2020 election, particularly in states such as Georgia and Arizona.

No Time to Celebrate: Progressive Politics in the Pandemic’s Wake

While the pandemic has illustrated the need for progressive policies more than ever, significant challenges still confront those who advocate for and hope to implement them.

Stop political spending by foreign-influenced U.S. firms

Michael Sozan argues that state and federal leaders should pass legislation to stop foreign influence in U.S. elections, using California's recently passed Proposition 22 as an example.

The Treasury Department Should Lead the Fight Against Corruption and Kleptocracy

The United States should do more to combat the strategic use of corruption by authoritarian states and the private sector actors who enable it.

How the Biden Administration Can Save the Census

The census data that the U.S. government and economy depend on may be in danger—unless the incoming Biden administration acts quickly to fix them.

The Need To Rebuild the DOJ Office for Access to Justice

The Biden administration can immediately act to begin renewing the federal government’s work to reform civil and criminal justice systems.

5 Key Recommendations for Social Media Platforms on Handling Hacked Materials Around Elections

This column offers five clear recommendations to social media platforms on how they should handle hacked materials for the remainder of the 2020 election season and into the future.

Ensuring Safe and Orderly Vote Counting

This memorandum explains how disruptions to vote-counting sites can occur on Election Day and what officials can do to keep election workers and communities safe.