Democracy is under attack at home and abroad. We must take swift action to ensure it is accessible to all, accountable, and can serve as a force of good.
A voting rights activist dresses as "Ms. Liberty," August 2021. (Getty/Alex Wong)
Increasing representation and access to our democracy
All Americans must have trust in elections and election results. All Americans also must have unimpeded access to the ballot box. That is why national voting standards are so important, along with laws that would protect against interference with valid election results.
Combating the spread of harmful dis- and misinformation
Disinformation, whether about COVID-19 or elections, undermines Americans’ safety and threatens our democracy. We seek to define the government’s role in combating it, give recommendations to online platforms to stem its spread, and support robust local media that can counter its worst effects.
Building a new framework to regulate online services
Americans’ lives are increasingly reliant on online services and affected by their economic, consumer, and civic harms. A robust regulatory framework, paired with new privacy protections and reinvigorated antitrust action, is needed to address the threats these services pose.
Countering violent political extremism
Countering insurgent threats is critical to maintaining our democracy. As part of this work, we have crafted a national blueprint with the McCain Institute to end white supremacist violence. Our plan draws on expertise across CAP and from more than 150 conversations with a diverse range of stakeholders.
By the numbers
59
Gerrymandering shifted an average of 59 seats in the U.S. House from 2012 to 2016.
Source: CAP, “Voter-Determined Districts” (2019).
1 in 10
42 senators, representing only about 1/10 of the U.S. population, can filibuster popular bills.
Source: CAP, “The Impact of the Filibuster on Federal Policymaking” (2019).
30%
The U.S. population has grown by about 30% since the federal bench’s last meaningful expansion.
Source: CAP, “It Is Past Time for Congress To Expand the Lower Courts” (2021).
81%
81% of voters believe tech companies have too much power and influence over politics and government.
Source: CAP Action, “Voters Support Enacting Stronger Consumer Protections Online” (2021).
CAP Action’s William Roberts on Protecting U.S. Elections
CAP Action Managing Director of Democracy Policy William Roberts joins Daniella to discuss rising threats to U.S. democracy and the impact of election denialism.
President Biden’s Speech Described a Democracy Under Attack
In his speech to the nation on November 2, President Joe Biden laid out the wide-ranging threats to democracy—and how Americans must come together to repel them.
Mark Leibovich on Thank You for Your Servitude and Trumpism
Mark Leibovich joins Daniella to discuss his new book; how Trumpism took hold in the Republican Party; the correlation between Trump and MAGA extremism; and what the future holds for Republicans, Democrats, and American democracy.
Will Jawando joins Daniella to discuss his new book, the importance of uplifting Black narratives, key policies that can help Black children succeed, and how the communities he works with are feeling heading into the midterms.
This week, Daniella sits down with author Steve Phillips to discuss his book, How We Win the Civil War: Securing a Multiracial Democracy and Ending White Supremacy for Good.
Norm Eisen on January 6, Election Denial, and Legal Accountability
Former U.S. Ambassador Norm Eisen joins Daniella to discuss the various legal cases against former President Donald Trump, the upcoming January 6 committee hearing, and ways to protect U.S. democracy.
Kate Sosin on This Long, Challenging Year in the Fight for LGBTQI+ Rights
Kate Sosin, LGBTQ+ reporter for The 19th, joins Daniella to discuss recent legislative and judicial attacks on LGBTQI+ people, the importance of responsible reporting on these issues, and what all of it might mean heading into November.
How State Attorneys General Can Protect Abortion Rights
As some states seek to criminalize abortion within their borders, attorneys general can take many actions to ensure access to abortion care in at least some states.
