WE CAN REBUILD AMERICAN DEMOCRACY
Our nation faces a governing crisis: The cost of American elections has reached an all time high, and public opinion of our institutions has reached rock bottom.
Blueprints for Democracy is designed to meet the challenge of money-in-politics reform with concrete proof – proof that Americans in cities and states all over the country can make their elections more open, their campaigns more transparent and their lawmakers more accountable.
Blueprints provides an overview of how reforms have been implemented across the country, and best practices for legislators and advocates enacting change in their local communities.
The reforms recommended are based on five basic principles.
EVERYONE PARTICIPATES
New systems of financing elections are enacted that empower small donors and strengthen civic participation.
EVERYONE KNOWS
There is full transparency and immediate disclosure of political contributions and expenditures.
EVERYONE PLAYS BY COMMON-SENSE RULES
Political conflicts of interest are diminished and new ethical norms take hold.
EVERYONE IS HELD ACCOUNTABLE
Candidates, elected officials and organizations are held accountable for breaking campaign finance laws.
EVERYONE HAS A VOICE
Congress is constitutionally empowered to make laws governing the flow of money in and around politics.
We hope that these blueprints for reform will light up the minds of citizens and legislators all over the country. We hope to inspire critical thinking, creative solutions and above all, action.