A new report from the Center for American Progress (CAP) addresses the importance of democracy in countering a shift toward autocracy and proposes various recommendations to modernize democratic institutions. The report emphasizes that a robust democracy is essential for safeguarding fundamental freedoms, equality, human rights, peace, and prosperity. It also acknowledges that current democratic systems are failing many Americans.
The report highlights that individuals on the economic fringes in both urban and rural areas feel neglected by government structures. Polls indicate that younger Americans and people of color are increasingly open to autocratic governance.
“Our democracy is not working well for many Americans, but democracy is far preferable to the alternative—autocracy,” said Michael Sozan, senior fellow at CAP and author of the report. “With many younger people and people of color increasingly open to autocracy, it is time to work together to build a strong democracy that is responsive and accountable to everyday people. We should roll up our collective sleeves and fight to implement the pro-democracy solutions in this report’s roadmap.”
The report suggests several policy changes aimed at strengthening democratic structures, protecting election integrity, and ensuring fair representation by an accountable government. Proposed reforms include:
- Expanding voting options
- Electing the president by popular vote
- Reforming the Senate filibuster
- D.C. statehood
- Public financing of election campaigns
- Term limits for Supreme Court justices
- Ethics reform for Congress and the Supreme Court
- Redistricting reform
These measures aim to create a 21st-century system that is truly representative of all citizens.
The full report titled "An American Democracy Built for the People: Why Democracy Matters and How To Make It Work for the 21st Century" by Michael Sozan can be accessed online. Accompanying fact sheets cover topics such as governmental failures, reasons to care about democracy, benefits delivered by democracies, and a roadmap for effective representation.
For further information or expert interviews, contact Sam Hananel at [email protected].
