BPC Launches Democracy Program to Strengthen American Institutions

We are at a pivotal time in American history. Our electoral processes are under attack and must evolve for the challenges of the 21st century. Our institutions are failing to inspire trust and respond to the will of the people. Too many leaders are demonizing others and abandoning bipartisanship. To address these trends, the Bipartisan Policy Center is expanding and restructuring its Democracy Program.

“Regardless of who is in power, our nation must have a government with the capacity and legitimacy to resolve conflicts,” said Jason Grumet, President of the Bipartisan Policy Center. “Without this legitimacy, conflicts that are inherent in a diverse and free society begin to tear us apart. In light of recent challenges, BPC is substantially increasing its efforts to support our nation’s governing institutions by expanding and integrating six initiatives designed to strengthen American democracy.”

“A healthy democracy needs three things: transparent and fair processes, trustworthy and accountable institutions, and civic-minded bipartisan leaders,” said Matthew Weil, Executive Director of BPC’s Democracy Program. “This program encompasses a wide range of work so that we can comprehensively strengthen the foundations that sustain representative democracy.”

The program’s work is spread among six projects:

• The Elections Project, led by Rachel Orey, collaborates with election officials from coast to coast to strengthen election integrity as polarization intensifies and public trust falters. Read its latest work: Fortifying Election Security Through Poll Worker Policy.
• The Digital Democracy Project, led by Katie Harbath, leads the policy conversation at the intersection of technology and democracy toward nuanced and pragmatic solutions to difficult problems. Read its latest work: A Brief History of Tech and Elections: A 26-Year Journey.
• The American Congressional Exchange, led by John Richter, enables members of Congress from opposite parties to visit each other’s districts and build the trust essential for bipartisan collaboration. Learn more.
• The Campus Free Expression Project, led by Jacqueline Pfeffer Merrill, creates and promotes policies and programs that harmonize the values of diversity and inclusion with free expression and academic freedom. Sign up for its next event: The Supreme Court, Race-Conscious Admissions, and the Campus Fallout.
• The Structural Democracy Project, led by Michael Thorning, champions systemic reforms that put country over party and restore Americans’ faith in our governing institutions and electoral systems. Read its latest work: Independent State Legislature Theory Undermines Elections Principles.
• The Presidential Leadership Initiative, led by Tevi Troy, shines a light on the changes to the American presidency and how these changes impact the advancement of freedom and democracy. Watch its latest event: What Should President Biden Do if Congress Changes Hands?

Over the next two years, the Democracy Program will release timely reports and convene experts to prepare for what is expected to be a contentious 2024 election season. Learn more here.

Join the Elections Project on December 6 for BPC’s 2022 Elections Summit at Planet Word or online.

Democracy team experts are available for interviews, contact Senior Manager of Media Relations Kyle Fischer.