In November 2010, the Bipartisan Policy Center launched the Democracy Project – a bipartisan initiative that analyzes and advocates for improvements to our democratic institutions. Co-chaired by former Secretaries Dan Glickman and Dirk Kempthorne and AOL co-founder Steve Case, the Democracy Project has assembled an Advisory Committee consisting of some of the nation’s top government, business, civic, military and academic leaders. Despite their ideological differences, all share a concern about the tenor of our political discourse and a growing need to confront our many challenges together – from the national debt to national security.

After extensive meetings with experts, thought leaders and practitioners from both political parties, the Democracy Project will initially focus on two issue areas ripe for reform: strengthening civil discourse in government, and Congressional redistricting or reapportionment. The project will highlight potential infrastructure changes that promote a more efficient and effective government and issue recommendations with the aim of improving the national debate.

The Democracy Project recognizes the importance of partisanship and debate in creating sound public policy. Many of the nation’s greatest legislative achievements have resulted from principled compromises by Democrats and Republicans.

While improving the way Washington functions may not occur overnight, small investments in procedural reforms and infrastructure changes will pay grand dividends for the American people.