Democracy

Protecting Constitutional Freedoms of Speech and Assembly During the Second Trump Administration

As the Trump administration attacks the social fabric of the United States, the continued peaceful resistance of Americans will turn the tide against democratic backsliding.

As Americans Deepen Their Nonviolent Mobilization, the Trump Administration Begins To Make Concessions

The “No Kings” protests this March show steady movement toward 3.5 percent participation among the U.S. population, with related mobilizations in Minnesota forcing the government to meet some of the people’s demands

5 Reasons Why the Nonviolent Minnesota Protests Succeeded

The nonviolent mobilization in Minnesota provided valuable lessons for how everyday Americans can successfully force fundamental changes from the government. Democracy depends on people power and accountability.

Counterpoint: War With Iran Means Short-Term and Long-Term Damage

In an op-ed for Inside Sources, Damian Murphy and Andrew Miller argue that the longer the war in Iran continues, the greater the long-term repercussions will be.

The Trump Administration Has No Legal Authority To Invoke National Security and Take Over Elections

As long recognized by courts, the U.S. Constitution gives primary authority to states to set the rules for elections, with no role for presidents.

The Trump Administration’s Trade Deals Are the Epitome of Corporate-Style ‘Short-Termism’ in Foreign Policy, and the American People Will Pay the Price for Years To Come

The lasting consequences of the Trump administration’s trade policy demonstrate the cost of headline-chasing leadership.

The SAVE America Act Explained: How the New ‘Show Your Papers’ Voting Bill Is Even More Extreme Than the SAVE Act

At President Donald Trump’s urging, Congress is intent on passing an even more extreme version of the SAVE Act. But no matter what the far right calls these “show your papers” bills, its push to require Americans to show a passport or birth certificate to vote threatens to silence millions.

Democracy on the Line: The Trump Administration’s Egregious Attacks on the Freedom of the Press

Join the Center for American Progress for an online event about the Trump administration’s attacks on press freedoms and how to stand up to these unconstitutional abuses of power.

The States’ Secret Weapon: Reclaiming the Authority to Limit Corporate Power

In an op-ed for The States Forum, Tom Moore argues that states have the authority to limit corporate power.

Sally Steenland: The People of Minneapolis Are Teaching Us Real American Patriotism

In an op-ed for Courier Newsroom, Sally Steenland writes about how the people of Minneapolis are tapping into collective power by displaying endurance, courage, and hope.

Reining in DHS and Restoring Accountability

Join a virtual discussion with the authors of five commonsense reforms to rein in DHS.

The Trump Administration’s ICE and CBP Have Become a Threat to Americans: Congress Must Ensure That DHS Follows the Law and Adopts Commonsense Reforms

The Trump administration’s Department of Homeland Security is out of control, endangering the well-being and lives of Americans. DHS must follow the law and fulfill its role to enhance—not compromise—the security of Americans and the homeland.

Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s Remarkable Contribution to the Debate Over ‘Independent’ Agencies

Is Justice Amy Coney Barrett calling for a majority to defend independent agencies against Trump in the Slaughter case?

The Supreme Court To Decide on How IQ Tests Can Affect the Death Penalty

In Hamm v. Smith, the Supreme Court will consider how IQ tests can be used to determine when an individual with an intellectual disability may be spared from the death penalty.

Is the U.S. Supreme Court Preparing To Undermine Campaign Finance Reforms Again?

The court could create a way for special interests to bypass campaign contribution limits and allow the further corruption of electoral politics.

Leaders on the Right Must Unequivocally Condemn Antisemitism

Tucker Carlson’s interview with white nationalist Nick Fuentes has divided the right, exposing a dangerous and complicated relationship with antisemitism.

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.

Louisiana v. Callais: The End of the Voting Rights Act?

Louisiana v. Callais puts Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act in the Supreme Court’s crosshairs and could result in the elimination of the last remaining bulwark against racial discrimination in voting.

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.

How the Supreme Court Is Dismantling the Separation of Church and State

Chief Justice John Roberts’ court is actively eroding the separation of church and state, breaking with centuries of First Amendment jurisprudence.

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.

Counterpoint: SCOTUS Isn’t Drifting Rightward — the Pedal Is to the Floor

In an op-ed published by InsideSources, Devon Ombres discusses the Supreme Court’s brazen rightward lean and what we can expect to see from this term.

20 Years of the Roberts Court: The Chief Justice’s Legacy and the Coming Term

Please join the Center for American Progress for a virtual event that will dive into 20 years of the Roberts court and the upcoming Supreme Court term.

Previewing the 2025–2026 Supreme Court Term: 20 Years of the Roberts Court

The Supreme Court is once again poised to transform American law by expanding presidential power and limiting constitutional rights.

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.

The Truth About Disparate Impact and Equity

The Supreme Court has reaffirmed disparate impact liability numerous times, and President Trump’s April 23 executive order does not inhibit private plaintiffs’ ability to file civil claims.

There Is No Legal Basis for the FBI To Arrest Quorum-Breaking Texas Legislators

Breaking quorum in the Texas legislature is a tradition nearly as old as the state itself and, by law, should be handled by state officials, not the federal government.

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.

Trump v. United States: Revisiting the Presidential Immunity Ruling 1 Year Later

The right-wing Supreme Court appears to have learned little from its decision to grant the president immunity for criminal acts—and the president is taking full advantage of the ruling.

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.

Presidential Appeasement and the Supreme Court: The State of the Court in 2025

Please join the Center for American Progress for a virtual event on presidential appeasement and the Supreme Court in 2025.

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.

Previewing the End of the 2024–25 Supreme Court Term: Major Cases and the Shadow Docket

Please join the Center for American Progress for a virtual event that will preview the end of the 2024-25 Supreme Court term.

The President and Constitutional Violations: Will the Federal Courts Contain the President’s Power Grabs?

It is up to the U.S. Supreme Court to do its duty to uphold constitutional checks and balances on President Donald Trump’s efforts to expand his powers beyond what the U.S. Constitution allows.

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.

What To Know About the Supreme Court Case on Birthright Citizenship and Nationwide Injunctions

On May 15, the Supreme Court will hear oral argument in a case challenging the nationwide injunctions that stopped President Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship from going into effect.

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.

Rule Of Law Or Rule By Law? SCOTUS Gets Its Chance To Halt Trump’s Rampage—Or Greenlight It

In an op-ed published by Talking Points Memo, Devon Ombres discusses the U.S. Supreme Court’s role in four key Trump administration-centered cases that touch on everything from deportations and birthright citizenship to funding cuts and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

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.

The Supreme Court’s Final Test Approaches

In an op-ed published by Talking Points Memo, Devon Ombres unpacks President Donald Trump’s thirst for unchecked power and how the U.S. Supreme Court may be gearing up to green-light it.

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.

Domestic Deployment of the Military: The Past, Present, and Potential Future

Since the founding of the United States, domestic deployment of the military has been a move of last resort; that may be about to change.

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.

The U.S. Judiciary and Democratic Backsliding: Perspectives on the Role of Courts in Autocratic Governments

Please join the Center for American Progress and Court Accountability for a discussion on the connection between courts and authoritarian movements at home and around the world.

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.

The Future of American Rule of Law: The 2024 SCOTUS Term and the Need for Reforms

Join the Center for American Progress for an event discussing the rights at risk in the 2024 SCOTUS term and the need for reform of the high court.

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.

Previewing the 2024 Supreme Court Term: The Continuing Attack on American Rule of Law

The Supreme Court will continue to hear cases this term that could roll back Americans’ rights and undermine protections for workers, public health, and the environment.

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.

Podemos reparar nuestra división nacional

Michael Sozan, Cissy Jackson y Walter Olson del Cato Institute escriben en La Opinión sobre cómo bajar la temperatura en este tenso momento político.

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.

Trump v. United States: A Foundation for Authoritarian Actions an American President Can Now Commit with Impunity

The majority of the Supreme Court granted presidents an unprecedented amount of power, with far-reaching consequences for the American system of government and democracy itself.

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.

Combining Ethics and Term Limits Strengthens Efforts To Rein in a Supreme Court Run Amok

Supreme Court decisions undermining the rule of law and weakening constitutional checks and balances exemplify the need for term limits for justices, a binding code of ethics, and additional reforms to rein in an out-of-control judiciary.

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.

The Supreme Court Has Fully Embraced an Antidemocratic, Right-Wing Agenda

The Supreme Court has taken off its mask this term by creating unconstitutional de facto immunity for future presidents who act illegally and by gutting the ability of public agencies and Congress to protect Americans from abuse by right-wing special interests.

The Major SCOTUS Cases: Threats to the Rule of Law Posed by the Supreme Court’s 2023 Term

The Supreme Court’s decisions in the coming days are likely to wrest away basic personal freedoms and stop public agencies from keeping Americans safe at the behest of billionaires and corporations.

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.

The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals Is Spearheading a Judicial Power Grab

The rogue 5th Circuit Court has helped undermine the separation of powers, established precedent, and principled legal reasoning to accomplish right-wing policy goals; the Supreme Court continuing to follow suit would strip power away from elected representatives and American voters.

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.

Right-wing lawyers are steering cases to north Texas. That’s not justice.

Devon Ombres breaks down what judge shopping entails, the role it’s played in many alarming recent legal decisions, and how we can put an end to it.

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.

Justices’ Trump Ballot Ruling May Spark Constitutional Crisis

Devon Ombres explains why a Supreme Court majority opinion in Anderson v. Trump marks a grave overstep of the court’s authority that could spell a constitutional crisis for this and future elections.

Free Speech or Free Rein? How Murthy v. Missouri Became a Soapbox for Misinformation Advocacy

The U.S. Supreme Court case Murthy v. Missouri has significant national security implications and could hamstring private and public efforts to combat disinformation.

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 NetChoice Cases: Will the Supreme Court Turn First Amendment Law on Its Head?

In the NetChoice cases, the U.S. Supreme Court should slap down the 5th Circuit’s efforts to rewrite the First Amendment.

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.

Ohio v. EPA Threatens the EPA’s Ability To Regulate Air Pollution Nationwide

The case is part of conservative activists’ efforts to stop the Environmental Protection Agency from protecting Americans from major polluters.

Corner Post v. Federal Reserve: The Supreme Court Could Open a Pandora’s Box for Federal Regulation

A pending Supreme Court case could endanger regulations that have protected Americans from corporate predators and bad actors for decades.

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.

Supreme Court Appears Poised To Overrule Chevron Deference in Judicial Power Grab

The U.S. Supreme Court seems poised to overrule 40 years of precedent, which may allow individual judges to implement their partisan policy preferences instead of abiding by agency expertise.

The Relentless Effort To End Agencies’ Ability To Protect Americans

In Relentless v. Department of Commerce, the Supreme Court is hearing a case that could hinder the ability of agencies to protect Americans in areas ranging from food and drug safety to safe workplaces, preventing air pollution, and administering Medicare.

Overturning Precedent: Examining the Regulatory Protections at Stake in the Loper Bright and Relentless Cases

Please join the Center for American Progress and Democracy Forward Foundation for a virtual panel discussion on the upcoming Supreme Court cases, Loper Bright v. Raimondo and Relentless v. Department of Commerce.

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.

Loper Bright and Relentless: Ending Judicial Deference To Cement Judicial Activism in the Courts

Next week, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear two cases that could limit the federal government’s ability to serve the American people, giving unelected judges free rein to implement their own partisan policy agendas and disregard scientific analysis, the opinions of policy experts, and the will of Congress.

How the Supreme Court Could Limit Government’s Ability To Serve Americans in All Areas of Life

If the Supreme Court overturns the 40-year-old Chevron doctrine, it could throw into chaos government’s ability to protect and serve the American people in areas ranging from workplace safety to Medicare administration to consumer protections, and much more.

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.

Supreme Court Decision Could Shift Power Away From Federal Agency Experts

In the combined Relentless cases, the U.S. Supreme Court may overturn the Chevron doctrine, which would reverse 40 years of precedent and cause chaos for regulatory agencies. 

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.

Supreme Court’s ‘Ethics Code’ Is a Failed Attempt to Gaslight America

In an op-ed for DC Journal, Devon Ombres explains why the U.S. Supreme Court’s new ethics code fails to provide accountability for justices engaged in unethical conduct.

SEC v. Jarkesy: The Threat to Congressional and Agency Authority

SEC v. Jarkesy is quietly one among a trio of important Supreme Court cases this term that could deal major blows to executive and congressional power.

With Its Release of a New Nonbinding Code of Conduct, the Supreme Court Fails on Ethics Again

The Supreme Court’s recently released code of conduct does nothing to address the appearance of corruption at the court.

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.

People Determine the Reach of the Supreme Court

Maggie Jo Buchanan argues that a year after the Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the American people have stepped up to protect abortion rights.

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.

Term Limits Are Critical to Restoring Public Trust in the Supreme Court

Recent ethics scandals demonstrate how urgently action is needed to ensure the Supreme Court acts as, and is seen as, a coequal branch of government.

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.

5 Ways the Supreme Court Could Roll Back Rights and Damage Democracy

The Supreme Court’s right-wing majority could deal a major setback to affirmative action, voting rights, LGBTQ rights, and fair elections as it wraps up the latest term.

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.