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Democracy

A threat to democracy anywhere is a threat to democracy everywhere. In the United States, people continue to have low levels of trust in governmental institutions, believe that the system is too prone to corruption, and feel that their democracy does not fully represent their priorities. Moreover, the past several years have seen repeated attacks on two foundational democratic norms: ensuring voters choose their elected leaders without partisan interference in election administration and broad condemnation of political violence and extremism. The violent January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol in 2021 and threats to judges and election officials have illustrated the harm caused by the erosion of widely accepted norms. We have also seen consistent and sustained attacks on democracies globally—most egregiously, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine—which threaten cooperation on climate action, migration, food security, and shared prosperity.

For these and other reasons, the Center for American Progress is laser focused on restoring social trust in democracy in the United States and around the world, using existing and new methods. Our coordinated, comprehensive, and far-reaching policy strategy is developed with and advanced through the power of coalitions, narrative change, public education, and advocacy. Domestically, CAP is focused on advancing pro-democracy policies that will make U.S. democracy more representative of all Americans, reducing dangerous political extremism and violence, reforming outmoded government structures, and holding leaders accountable for breaking laws and norms. CAP is also committed to advancing a progressive and values-driven vision for a new era of U.S. engagement internationally that which reinforces the country’s domestic priorities. National security goes beyond mere military power; it includes the need for a greater global response to complex crises and effective ways to strengthen America’s economic and political competitiveness in the world.

The U.S. Capitol building is seen at dusk with a clear blue sky in the background.
The U.S. Capitol building is seen in Washington, D.C., on November 13, 2023. (Getty/Mandel NGAN/AFP)
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Government Insiders Must Be Prevented From Profiting on Prediction Markets at the Expense of National Security Report
Gannon Ken Van Dyke seen through window and behind tree

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

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

Alexandra Thornton, Devon Ombres, Allison McManus

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

Strengthening American Democracy

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

In Defense of Hawaii’s Corporate Redefinition In the News

In Defense of Hawaii’s Corporate Redefinition

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

The Wall Street Journal

Tom Moore

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

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

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

Gréta Bedekovics, Devon Ombres

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

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

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

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

Paramount’s Anticompetitive Merger With Warner Bros. Is Fueled by Investments From Regimes With Deep Trump Ties Article
The yellow and blue WB logo on a beige water tower; an American flag is positioned beside but behind the tower.

Paramount’s Anticompetitive Merger With Warner Bros. Is Fueled by Investments From Regimes With Deep Trump Ties

Government regulators must block Paramount’s merger with Warner Bros. for several reasons, including that foreign autocracies with deep financial entanglements with President Donald Trump and anti-democratic values—including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar—could end up owning the combined corporation.

Michael Sozan, Andrew Miller

Voters Want Transformation, Not Restoration In the News

Voters Want Transformation, Not Restoration

In an op-ed for The Contrarian, Neera Tanden highlights the biggest takeaways from CAP's 2026 IDEAS Conference, arguing that voters want transformed policies, not a return to a broken status quo.

The Contrarian

Neera Tanden

2026 CAP IDEAS Conference Past Event

2026 CAP IDEAS Conference

The Center for American Progress’ signature event, now celebrating its 15th year, where CAP convenes the big thinkers and doers on the center-left for a day of not only identifying the problems facing Americans, but also sharing solutions to improve the lives of all Americans.

Online via Zoom

Orbán Is Gone, But Europe’s Divisions Remain Article
The Hungarian Parliament Building is seen following a resounding Tisza Party win on April 12, 2026.

Orbán Is Gone, But Europe’s Divisions Remain

Viktor Orbán’s political demise in Hungary is forcing the European Union to confront its internal divisions more directly than it has in years.

Luke Zahner

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Tackling Climate Change and Environmental Injustice
Issue

Tackling Climate Change and Environmental Injustice

We pursue climate action that meets the crisis’s urgency, creates good-quality jobs, benefits disadvantaged communities, and restores U.S. credibility on the global stage.

Restoring Social Trust in Democracy
Issue

Restoring Social Trust in Democracy

Democracy is under attack at home and abroad. We must act to ensure it is accessible to all, accountable, and can serve as a force of good.

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