Government Reform

Americans’ trust in government—and their faith in democracy overall—remain at very low levels. In part, this lack of confidence results from the unavoidable fact that many government institutions are unable to effectively respond to people’s needs and priorities. For example, Congress often deadlocks when considering popular policies; the Electoral College sometimes produces presidential election results at odds with the popular vote; federal campaign finance laws often favor the wealthy, special interests, and corporations over voters; many states have passed laws aimed at suppressing voters of color and subverting election results; and the U.S. Supreme Court has stripped people of some fundamental rights. People inevitably lose trust in government when the system seems prone to corruption and stacked against them or when elected leaders fail to enact and defend policies designed to help people achieve the American dream.

To meet these challenges, the Center for American Progress is focused on progressive, commonsense policies to modernize government for 21st century realities and build a democracy that fully represents all Americans. CAP’s government reform work takes place at the local, state, and federal levels, and wherever possible, with stakeholders across the ideological spectrum. We advance policies that will, among other things, set national baseline standards to help ensure free and fair elections and the drawing of nonpartisan congressional districts; reduce the influence of corporate money and secret spending that warp elections; meaningfully reform the Supreme Court; update U.S. Senate rules to make it harder for the minority political party to stop progress on popular legislation; and ensure that elected officials do their jobs in transparent and ethical ways.

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Compact View

The Relentless Effort To End Agencies’ Ability To Protect Americans Video

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.

How the Supreme Court Could Limit Government’s Ability To Serve Americans in All Areas of Life Fact Sheet
Photo shows a hand holding a small American flag, with the Supreme Court building against a cloudy sky in the background

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.

Extinguishing the Fires of Political Violence Past Event

Extinguishing the Fires of Political Violence

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

CAP Comment Urges the OPM To Uphold Civil Service Protections in New Rule Change Article

CAP Comment Urges the OPM To Uphold Civil Service Protections in New Rule Change

CAP submitted comments on the OPM’s proposed rule entitled “Upholding Civil Service Protections and Merit System Principles” to protect federal civil service employees and prevent the government workforce from becoming subject to a patronage system that rewards loyalty over expertise.

Cissy Jackson

2023 CAP IDEAS Conference Past Event
CAP IDEAS Conference logo

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.

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Related Priorities

Tackling Climate Change and Environmental Injustice

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

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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