In contemporary American politics, the concept that we’re all Americans first, and political party second, has waned in recent decades. But that idea is more important than ever as we take on internal and external threats to our democracy.
Public trust in the government is near historic lows, according to the Pew Research Center. Today, 35% of Democrats say they trust the federal government, compared with 11% of Republicans. But things don't have to stay this way. Through grassroots…
Often called “the father of American education,” Horace Mann argued that free, standardized schooling was key to self-governance, calling education the “great equalizer of the conditions of men.” A curriculum emphasizing the understanding of civics was core to that argument.…
How do we know if a fact is really a fact? We’re surrounded by online information bubbles on social platforms like Facebook, X and TikTok. But do we really have the digital literacy skills to discern what is real? The…
Does every vote really count, or are politicians only concerned about votes from particular states, and take the rest for granted?
Voting is the most obvious way to participate in our democracy. But, getting involved goes far beyond the vote. For Evanston, Illinois, participatory budgeting is one way to encourage civic participation, and invite community members’ ideas and voices into the…
American democracy is under threat. Do you have what it takes to be a good citizen? Join Preserving Democracy as we dig into the ten habits of good citizens in a new digital series. In Episode 3, we explore what…
Public parks, mass transit and libraries are all examples of the common good. In the 1800s, free public libraries were commonplace in America. Over the centuries, they've evolved, providing resources for the public well beyond books. In 2023, the Brooklyn…
A watchdog free press, also known as the Fourth Estate, is essential for a healthy democracy. Being informed is a critical part of being an engaged citizen. But in 2024, many Americans disagree about where and what news is accurate;…
We interviewed Ballotpedia founder Leslie Graves to find out more about their work, the expertise they bring, and to get a sense of what readers can look forward to in Graves’ new monthly column.