Capstones - Spring 2026

Democratic Backsliding in the United States: Policy Solutions to Address Institutional Corruption and Eroding Public Trust

In the United States, democratic backsliding erodes institutional checks and balances, drives trust in government to new lows, and creates polarization. For the sake of restoring electoral integrity, rebuilding trust, and renewing institutional accountability, this brief proposes three extensive reforms: an independent redistricting commission, mandatory donor disclosure, and a congressional stock trading ban.