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.

A voting rights activist dresses as "Ms. Liberty," August 2021. (Getty/Alex Wong)

What We're Doing

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).

Recent work

Latest

Compact View

Dawn Porter on ‘Deadlocked’ and Today’s Activist Supreme Court Podcast

Dawn Porter on ‘Deadlocked’ and Today’s Activist Supreme Court

Filmmaker Dawn Porter joins Colin to discuss her forthcoming Showtime series, “Deadlocked”; how the U.S. Supreme Court was overtaken by an extremist far-right supermajority; and how this shift has led to catastrophic decisions such as overturning Roe v. Wade.

Government can actually work, just ask Maysville In the News
cap-action-social-share

Government can actually work, just ask Maysville

Maysville, North Carolina, Town Manager Schumata Brown writes about how PFAS contamination has affected his rural community for years. With funding from the infrastructure law, the Biden administration is delivering much-needed funding for water infrastructure to rural communities.

the New Bern Sun Journal

Schumata Brown

Jamal Simmons on Black Progressive Leadership and Fighting for All Americans Podcast

Jamal Simmons on Black Progressive Leadership and Fighting for All Americans

Daniella and Colin sit down with Jamal Simmons to discuss the work of Black progressive leaders in Congress and the White House, President Joe Biden's economic agenda, and MAGA Republican attacks on racial equity and rights.

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