Democracy

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.

Loss of Innocents: The U.S. Strike on an Iranian School and Implications for America at War

Please join CAP for an online discussion on this tragedy and its implications for the U.S. military and the future of warfare.

Today, the Senate is debating legislation that threatens to block millions of American citizens from voting

Expert briefing on the U.S. strike on an Iranian school

Four changes in the day-to-day work of Congress that could meaningfully improve governance.

In a symposium published by NOTUS, Ben Olinsky argues that members of Congress from both parties should be guaranteed a fair opportunity to offer amendments and receive votes on them.

The Department of Defense’s Conflict With Anthropic and Deal With OpenAI Are a Call for Congress To Act

Both Anthropic and OpenAI are calling on elected leaders to provide new AI protections.

The real cost of Trump’s reckless war in Iran

Plus, 5 things to know about the DOD’s attack on Anthropic

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 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.

The Trump Administration Is Trying To Make an Example of the AI Giant Anthropic

The Pentagon is making unprecedented threats against the popular AI service Claude in the name of national security.

Our plan to slash your grocery bill

And how Trump’s policies are making utility rates skyrocket

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.

The SAVE Act could prevent millions from casting a ballot

And how Trump’s economy is harming working-class people

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.

Congress has one week to rein in ICE abuses

$2 billion: The amount the Trump family has pocketed in their second term

Reining in DHS and Restoring Accountability

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

Marco Rubio’s Deal: Trading Venezuelan Democracy for Oil

Despite claiming to be a champion of freedom in the Western Hemisphere, Secretary of State Rubio’s Venezuela strategy has traded a democratic transition for oil access for the United States, sidelining the opposition and preserving the authoritarian regime.

Trump Brings China-Style Authoritarianism to America

The Trump administration is trading democratic norms for a toolkit of coercion, loyalty, and control modeled after America’s most significant rival and competitor.

Trump’s Authoritarian Agenda Poses Real Economic Risk

In an op-ed published by The Contrarian, David Madland discusses how Trump’s policy agenda affects the nation’s economy.

What do the events of this year’s World Economic Forum signal about the future of the global order?

In a symposium published by NOTUS, Ryan Mulholland argues that the world’s economic future is now being shaped without the United States’ involvement, thanks to Trump’s incessant tariff threats.

The TikTok Deal Leaves Many Questions Unanswered

The TikTok deal encapsulates every abusive practice of the Trump administration—secrecy, unprecedented claims of executive power, and noncompliance with the law.

Illiberal International: The Transatlantic Right’s Challenge to Democracy

In a chapter published in the European Center for Populism Studies’ report “Populism and the Future of Transatlantic Relations: Challenges and Policy Options,” Robert Benson investigates the transatlantic dimensions of far-right political mobilization, tracing the networks linking populist and authoritarian actors across Europe and the United States.

This is how we solve America’s housing crisis

Join Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Brian Schatz (D-HI), and others to learn what an ambitious housing agenda should look like

What Trump’s coup in Venezuela is really about

Plus, Sen. Schumer joins CAP for a housing summit

Congress Must Demand the Full Details of the TikTok Deal

Congress must ensure that the TikTok transaction complies with a law that President Trump has unconstitutionally refused to enforce all year.

Crisis in the Caribbean: Breaking Down the Trump Administration’s Dangerous Actions in Latin America

Leading experts break down the issues behind the Trump administration's actions.

President Trump’s AI National Policy Executive Order Is an Unambiguous Threat to States Beyond Just AI

The executive order is a legally unjustifiable incursion into the rights of states; will be used to threaten and intimidate states; and does not uphold the administration’s promises to exempt AI child safety or data center laws.

The Trump Administration’s Dangerous Embrace of Cancel Culture

The Trump administration and the far right are engaging in dangerous, un-American tactics to suppress speech they dislike, cementing their control over institutions and the public by undermining First Amendment rights.

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.

Trump just gifted billionaires a holiday bonus—paid for by you

Former Sen. Jon Tester talks Citizens United with CAP’s Tom Moore

Video Explainer: Trump’s Attacks on Multilateralism Make America Weaker, Not Stronger

Multilateralism does not restrain the United States on the world stage; it provides a means to support the peace, security, and prosperity of the American people.

Trump Wants to Talk ‘Affordability,’ But Is Stuck in a Gilded White House Bubble

In an op-ed published by Talking Points Memo, Neera Tanden and Lisa Gilbert describe how President Trump’s antidemocratic flaunting of the rule of law is making life more expensive for the American middle class.

Trump’s Attacks on Multilateralism Make America Weaker, Not Stronger

Multilateral organizations like the United Nations and World Health Organization and international forums like the G20 and G7 do not restrain the United States on the world stage; they provide a means to support the peace, security, and prosperity of the American people.

Progressives should use COP30 to show democracies can deliver prosperity and save the planet

In El País, Frances Colón and Johan Hassel say that progressives must show the national strength in climate leadership.

Video Explainer: The Dangers of Trump’s Occupation of American Communities

President Trump’s use of masked plainclothes officers deployed into American communities is not legitimate law enforcement and threatens the rights of all American citizens.

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.

Trump Is Putting Military Leaders in a No-Win Situation

In an op-ed published by The New York Times, Frank Kendall explains how the current legal chain of command for the military is made up of the yes-men who will not push back on anything President Donald Trump or Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth commands them to do.

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.

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.

Los ataques de Trump en el Caribe son un abuso peligroso e ilegal del poder en tiempos de guerra, y no terminarán ahí

Los ataques mortales que lanzó la administración Trump en el Caribe sin autorización del Congreso nos ponen en un camino peligroso hacia abusos más amplios.

Trump’s Strikes in the Caribbean Are a Dangerous, Illegal Abuse of Wartime Power—It Won’t Stop There

The Trump administration’s deadly strikes in the Caribbean bypass Congress and put us on a dangerous pathway to wider abuses.

Beyond participation trophies: The EU’s credibility crisis in the Western Balkans

In an op-ed published by Euractiv, Robert Benson argues that the EU cannot credibly preach democracy abroad while tolerating stagnation in its own neighborhood.

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.

A Green Light for Authoritarianism: How the Trump Administration Fuels Global Autocracy

When U.S. support retreats, autocrats escalate their attacks, leaving democratic institutions vulnerable. This creates a global environment where authoritarianism can thrive.

Congressional Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act Creates an Unaccountable Slush Fund for the Trump Administration’s Deportation Force

The OBBBA pumps $75 billion into ICE with no guardrails, supercharging the Trump administration’s massive, indiscriminate deportation agenda that is operating without accountability and threatening local communities and economies.

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.

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 Authoritarian Playbook in Action: What Global Cases Tell Us About Trump’s 2025 Military Deployments

The cases of Canada, South Korea, and Turkey illustrate a dangerous escalatory pattern: When elected leaders rely on the military to resolve domestic challenges, they often accelerate democratic backsliding.

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.

How Democrats Can Win on Immigration

CAP President and CEO Neera Tanden outlines a winning strategy for immigration reform in The Wall Street Journal.

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.

The Dangers of Obeying: 4 Risks for Organizations Bowing to the Trump Administration

The Trump administration is demanding unprecedented power and punishing those who refuse to comply, but civil society acting peacefully with collective courage can build a stronger democracy.

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.

America’s Role in the World: The Value of Leadership and Alliance

Join us for a conversation with Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) as part of CAP’s “What’s Next: Conversations on the Path Forward” series.

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.

All the President’s Extremists: How the Trump Administration’s National Security Nominees Threaten Americans’ Safety

These Trump administration nominees for key national security positions have exhibited extremist views that are dangerous for Americans’ safety. Congress should reject their nominations.

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.

Democratic backsliding in Europe holds lessons for America

In an op-ed for Politico EU, Robert Benson discusses how America can more effectively push back against authoritarian creep by learning from the experiences of European countries.

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 State Capture and Corruption Harms Citizens: Lessons From Abroad

Examples from abroad serve as prescient warnings that corruption and state capture erode services, impoverish societies, and compromise public safety.

How Democracies Defend Themselves Against Authoritarianism

Democracies facing authoritarian threats from within have found ways to push back by strengthening institutions, reinforcing democratic norms, and building popular resistance against encroaching autocracy. Understanding these strategies is vital to learning how to fight back.

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.

The Destroyers Are Here: The Rise of the New Authoritarians

Robert Benson writes in Inkstick about how President Trump is setting the international stage for a new age of authoritarianism.

How Congress Can Help Curb the UAE’s Role in Sudan’s Crisis

To see a peaceful end to the conflict, Congress must hold the UAE accountable for its role in fueling Sudan’s violent civil war and deepening its humanitarian crisis through the weapons and gold trade.

Congressional Response to Trump’s National Security Chaos

Congress must pick up the leadership mantle amid grave global and domestic uncertainty.

How Is DOGE Abusing Its Power?

Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency operates with alarming secrecy; Americans deserve to know how it is using their tax dollars and personal data and whether it is violating the law.

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.

Counterpoint: The Carnage Has Begun

In an op-ed published by InsideSources, Ben Olinsky looks ahead to Trump's upcoming congressional address and argues that the change Trump promised is not the sort he’s delivering.

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.

What To Read Before Donald Trump’s 2025 Address to Congress

The Trump administration’s implementation of the harmful Project 2025 agenda, the unconstitutional dismantling of critical federal agencies, and a forthcoming budget reconciliation battle will serve as key messaging pillars in the president’s address to Congress on March 4.

The Privacy Act of 1974 Was Designed To Protect Us From Elon Musk and DOGE

DOGE’s sweeping access to federal databases raises alarming questions about privacy violations and this administration’s troubling disregard for laws and accountability.

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.

Syria’s Transition and the Shadow of the Arab Uprisings

While the Syrian people should ultimately determine their own future, the United States must learn from its mistakes during the Arab uprisings to best facilitate a democratic transition.

How Trump’s Attack on USAID Undermines American Leadership and Security

President Donald Trump’s MAGA plan to gut America’s low-cost, high-impact foreign assistance programs to help fund tax cuts for the ultrawealthy is a blow to U.S. influence abroad that will also make Americans less safe at home.

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 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.

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 ERA Solidifies Women’s Rights in the Constitution as the 28th Amendment

The federal government has finally recognized the Equal Rights Amendment as the 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ushering in a whole new era for gender parity in this country.

Point: President Biden Must Take Urgent Action to Maintain Our Democracy

Ben Olinsky writes in "DC Journal" about how President Biden can maximize his final days in office to protect democracy.

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.

Regaining America’s Trust on Immigration

In a new article published in Democracy Journal, Debu Gandhi discusses how progressives should modify their messaging on immigration in the wake of this year’s general election.

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.

A Bellwether for Trans-Atlantic Democracy: The Rise of the German Far Right

With its anti-immigrant rhetoric, skepticism of NATO, and alignment with authoritarian regimes, the AfD’s rise could destabilize both German democracy and the trans-Atlantic security order.

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 State of Voting Leave

Guaranteeing paid time off from work to vote, as many states do, can reduce barriers to voting.

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.

The Dangers of Project 2025: Global Lessons in Authoritarianism

Far-right policies such as the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 threaten American democracy by mirroring authoritarian tactics seen in Hungary, Turkey, and beyond.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Project 2025

Project 2025 would concentrate federal power in the presidency, direct all levers of government to dismantle democracy, and pull the rug out from under America’s middle class.

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.

Congress should block aid to Egypt

In an op-ed published in The Hill, Allison McManus argues that instead of releasing $320 million in military aid, Congress should hold Cairo accountable for its flagrant human rights violations.

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.

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.

Project 2025 Is Already a Reality in Many States

Here are examples of how some states are already working to implement the extreme policies outlined in Project 2025.

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.

Project 2025 Will Undermine America’s National Security

The far-right policy proposals in Project 2025 will fundamentally undermine the national and economic security of the United States, benefiting its adversaries and making all Americans less safe.

Project 2025’s Plan To Gut Checks and Balances Harms the American People

The new authoritarian playbook would devastate Americans in many ways.

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.

Fact Sheets: The Harmful Effects of Project 2025, by State

These fact sheets provide insight into how Project 2025 would affect people in states across the country.

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.

Project 2025 Compels Local Prosecutors To Enforce Extreme Right-Wing Laws

Project 2025 seeks to impose a right-wing policy agenda by threatening federal legal action against local officials who refuse to enforce abortion bans.

What Is Project 2025?

The Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 is a road map for how a new, far-right presidential administration could take over the country. Maya Angelou said it best: "When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time."

4 Ways Unions Make Our Economy and Democracy Stronger

Unions raise wages for workers, reduce inequality, increase voter turnout, and advance middle-class interests; policymakers should make strengthening unions a top priority.

Project 2025: Exposing the Far-Right Assault on America

Please join the Center for American Progress for an event discussing the implications of Project 2025 for all Americans and the ways in which its policy proposals are already having an impact at the state level.

Project 2025: The Plan To Seize Power by Gutting America’s System of Checks and Balances

Project 2025—and the budget plans it has spawned—would erode Americans’ personal freedoms and harm the middle class, starting by consolidating power in the presidency just as authoritarian governments have done in other countries around the world.

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.

Project 2025 Would Eliminate Head Start, Severely Restricting Access to Child Care in Rural America

If enacted, the elimination of Head Start would undermine economic growth and exacerbate inequalities among families with young children.

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.

Taking Further Agency Action on AI

This joint report from Governing for Impact and the Center for American Progress maps select agencies’ existing statutory authority to protect consumers, workers, and families from potential artificial intelligence harms.

EU Elections: What the Results Mean and Why They Matter

While pro-European and democratic forces hold the majority in the EU parliament elections, far-right gains portend trouble ahead.

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.

Amid 2024 Global Elections, Mexico’s Is Most Important for the United States

While the defense of democracy in the United States remains the existential task at hand for Americans, we must also help our southern neighbor stand up for democracy to ensure the vibrancy, peace, and prosperity of North America.

Point: The Legitimacy of the Supreme Court Hangs in the Balance

Ben Olinsky writes in "DC Journal" about why ethics reform is necessary at the Supreme Court.

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.

American politicians forget: disruption and disorder are the point of protests

In The Guardian, CAP CEO Patrick Gaspard writes about the ongoing campus protests.

Principles for Universities Responding to Campus Protests Over Gaza

In their response to student protests over the war in Gaza, colleges and universities must prioritize free speech, while ensuring that the safety of all students is protected.

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.

Texas v. Garland: Another Attack On Women And Democracy From A Radical Judiciary

Molly Weston Williamson writes in Talking Points Memo about a Texas judge's injunction blocking the enforcement of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.

What To Read Before the 2024 State of the Union

Democracy, the economy, and our freedoms: These are the topics expected to be spotlighted by President Joe Biden during his third State of the Union address.

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.

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.

Taiwan’s Election: PRC Interference and Its Implications for the 2024 Election Landscape

The Democratic Progressive Party’s triumph in Taiwan’s 2024 presidential election signals Taiwan’s resilience against the People’s Republic of China’s coordinated and intense interference efforts; but it also accentuates the critical need for nations worldwide to formulate robust strategies against escalating threats of interference, thereby safeguarding the integrity of global democratic processes.

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.

Hungary’s Democratic Backsliding Threatens the Trans-Atlantic Security Order

Hungary’s democratic backsliding under Viktor Orbán threatens trans-Atlantic security, necessitating a strategic U.S. response to counter the rise of authoritarianism in Europe and protect our shared democratic values.

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.

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.

2023 Progressive Wins

This year saw protections for transgender rights, women's rights, the environment, and U.S. democracy overall, as well as strides in building the economy and keeping communities safe.

The Nexus Between Green Backlash and Democratic Backsliding in Europe

Far-right parties are exploiting discontent with environmental policies, undermining progress on climate change and endangering democracy in Europe and beyond.

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.

20 Years of Fighting for Our Democracy

For 20 years, CAP has been fighting to preserve our democracy and support working families across the country.

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.

These Fossil Fuel Industry Tactics Are Fueling Democratic Backsliding

As citizens around the world increasingly favor serious policy action to fight climate change, the fossil fuel industry is undermining democratic principles to stem the tide of climate action—spreading misinformation and obstructing elected governments’ climate efforts, promoting anti-democratic movements and candidates, and even undermining democratic rights.

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.