Saving Democracy Institute

A non-partisan think tank focused on citizens, dedicated to explaining and strengthening American democracy.

Our goal is to provide clear insights into democratic challenges and empower citizens to make democracy stronger. You don't need to be a political expert to make a difference—just curiosity and a desire to get involved.

What We Offer

Democracy De-Coded Articles

Clear, accessible explanations of complex democratic concepts and current challenges.

Citizen Action Guides

Practical resources to help you engage effectively in the democratic process.

Data and Research

Evidence-based insights into democratic trends and challenges facing America.

Helpful Resources

Democracy and civic engagement webinars with WSLR (Sarasota, FL public radio), seminars, and resources to help understand and protect democracy.

Research Areas & Downloads

1.

The Basics of American Democracy

What Is a Democracy What Is a Democracy
Democracy vs Republic Democracy vs Republic In American Government
2.

A Brief History of Democracy in the United States

Evolution Toward Democracy The Unsteady American Evolution Toward Democracy
3.

Political Values in the United States

Critical Thinking and Democracy Critical Thinking and Democracy
American Political Values American Political Values
4.

The Mechanics of American Government

Democracy in Comparative Perspective American Democracy in Comparative Perspective
Majority Rule and Minority Rights Majority Rule and Minority Rights in American Democracy
Due Process Due Process
Federalism Federalism and Power Sharing Within the United States
5.

Elections, Participation, and the Electoral Process

Gerrymandering Gerrymandering: When Politicians Pick Voters Instead of The Other Way Around
Ranked Choice Voting Understanding Ranked Choice and Other Voting Systems
Election Security Security and Fairness of American Elections
Money and Elections How Money Shapes Our Elections
6.

Political Processes: How Things Do and Don't Get Done

Direct Democracy Direct Democracy in America From the Colonial Era to the Present
Electoral College The Electoral College and U.S. Democracy
7.

Politics and Your Purse: Democracy and the American Political Economy

Engage and Influence How To Engage and Influence Your Elected Officials
Separation of Powers American Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances in the Real World
Wealth Inequality Wealth Inequality and Democracy
Economy and Voting The American Economy and Voting
What Is The Economy What Is The Economy and Who Makes Decisions in the American Economy
How Social Security and The Deficit Actually Work How Social Security and The Deficit Actually Work
Wealth and Taxes Wealth and Taxes
8.

Civic Engagement and Democracy

Checklist for Good Citizenship A Checklist For Good Citizenship
Educational IDEA An Educational IDEA
9.

The Importance of Civic Education for a Healthy Democracy

Civic Literacy Civic Literacy
Good Civics Education Good Civics Education
10.

The Media's Role in Democracy: Information and Accountability

Media Literacy Being Media Literate
Disinformation and Democracy Disinformation and Democracy
11.

Civil Liberties and Civil Rights

Free Speech and Democracy Free Speech and Democracy
The Right to Vote and Democracy The Right to Vote and Democracy
12.

Democracy and Diversity

Diversity and Democracy Diversity and Democracy
Immigration and Democracy Immigration and Democracy
13.

Threats to Democracy

Authoritarianism and Democracy Authoritarianism and Democracy
Political Violence and Democracy Political Violence and Democracy
Ways to Defend Our Democracy Ways to Defend Our Democracy

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Contact: [email protected]