The United States was built on a vision of democracy—a
system rooted in fairness, representation, and the rule of law, as envisioned
by the Founders. Today, many Americans feel that vision is under strain,
concerned about actions that seem to prioritize power over principle. If you’re
someone who believes in the core ideals of democracy—liberty, justice, and
accountability—there are practical, grounded ways to make a difference. This
isn’t about picking a side in a partisan fight; it’s about doing what’s right
to protect the system that gives us all a voice. Here’s how everyday people can
stand up for democracy, inspired by the values that have guided the nation
since its founding.
1. Get Informed and Stay Curious
Democracy thrives when people understand how it works and
what’s at stake. The Founders, like James Madison, emphasized an informed
public as a safeguard against tyranny. Start by learning the basics: read the
Constitution, explore how local and federal government functions, or check
non-partisan resources like USAFacts.org for clear data on issues like
elections or public policy.
- What
to do: Spend 10 minutes a day reading primary sources—court rulings,
legislation, or public records—rather than relying solely on news or
social media. Sites like the National Archives or the Library of Congress
offer free access to historical and current documents.
- Why it
matters: Misinformation spreads fast, and unchecked narratives can erode
trust. By grounding yourself in facts, you can spot distortions and hold
leaders accountable, no matter who they are.
2. Vote in Every Election—Local Counts Most
The right to vote is a cornerstone of democracy, hard-won
through centuries of struggle. While presidential races grab headlines, local
elections—school boards, city councils, state legislatures—often shape your
community’s future more directly. The Founders designed a system where power
flows upward from the people, starting close to home.
- What
to do: Register to vote (check Vote.gov for deadlines), and show up for
every election, not just the big ones. Research candidates and ballot
measures using non-partisan guides like Ballotpedia. Encourage friends or
family to vote, too.
- Why it
matters: Low turnout hands power to a few. In 2022, only about 46% of
eligible voters cast ballots in midterm elections. Local officials make
decisions on everything from education to voting access—your vote shapes
who holds that power.
3. Speak Up in Your Community
Democracy isn’t just voting; it’s a conversation. The
Founders valued public discourse, from town halls to pamphlets, as a way to
challenge bad ideas and build consensus. You don’t need a megaphone to make an
impact—just a willingness to engage where you live.
- What
to do: Attend a city council meeting or school board session (most are
open to the public) and share your thoughts during comment periods. Write
a letter to the editor for your local paper, focusing on clear, fact-based
arguments about issues like fair elections or transparency. Organize a
discussion group with neighbors to talk about democracy’s challenges.
- Why it
matters: Local leaders notice when people show up. A single voice can
spark change, like when citizens in small towns have pushed for better
election oversight or community programs, reminding officials they’re
accountable to the public.
4. Support Fair Elections
Free and fair elections are the bedrock of democracy,
ensuring power reflects the people’s will. Concerns about election
integrity—whether fraud or suppression—cut across all sides and demand
solutions, not division. The Founders warned against any group rigging the
system to cling to power.
- What
to do: Volunteer as a poll worker through your county election office
(find details at WorkElections.org). Support groups like FairVote or the
Brennan Center for Justice, which advocate for transparent, accessible
elections without partisan bias. Report any voting issues you see to
non-partisan hotlines like 866-OUR-VOTE.
- Why it
matters: Poll workers help elections run smoothly, reducing errors or
mistrust. Advocacy ensures everyone’s vote counts equally, preventing
tactics—by anyone—that could silence voices, like gerrymandering or voter
intimidation.
5. Hold Leaders Accountable
The Founders created checks and balances to keep power in
check, but those only work if people demand accountability. When leaders act in
ways that undermine fairness or truth, citizens have the right—and duty—to call
it out, regardless of party.
- What
to do: Contact your elected officials (find them at USA.gov) with polite,
specific concerns about actions that seem wrong, like ignoring court
rulings or misusing public funds. Share evidence, not rumors. Support
watchdog groups like Common Cause, which track government ethics across
the board.
- Why it
matters: Leaders respond to pressure. In recent years, public outcry has
forced officials to reverse shady policies, like when citizens exposed
wasteful spending or conflicts of interest. Silence lets bad behavior
slide.
6. Build Bridges, Don’t Burn Them
Democracy doesn’t work if we see each other as enemies. The
Founders disagreed fiercely but still found common ground to build a nation.
Today’s division makes it tempting to demonize others, but that only weakens
the system we’re trying to save.
- What
to do: Talk to someone who disagrees with you—not to argue, but to listen.
Ask why they feel the way they do about democracy or government. Share
your perspective calmly, focusing on shared values like fairness or
freedom. Join groups like Braver Angels, which host cross-partisan
discussions.
- Why it
matters: A 2018 study found 42% of Democrats and 25% of Republicans
doubted the other side’s voters cared about the country’s good. Listening
rebuilds trust, reminding us we’re all part of the same system, working
toward a better future.
7. Support a Free Press
A free press, protected by the First Amendment, keeps
democracy honest by exposing truth and holding power accountable. The Founders
saw it as essential, but today, trust in media is shaky, and attacks on
journalists—by anyone—threaten that foundation.
- What
to do: Subscribe to a local newspaper or donate to non-profit outlets like
ProPublica, which dig into government misconduct without a partisan lens.
Call out threats against reporters, whether from officials or mobs. Learn
to spot misinformation using tools from Poynter’s MediaWise.
- Why it
matters: Without reliable information, democracy stumbles. Local papers
have exposed corruption in small towns, while national investigations have
uncovered abuses of power—both rely on public support to keep going.
8. Join or Start a Movement
The Founders didn’t just talk about liberty—they organized
for it. From the Sons of Liberty to the Constitutional Convention, collective
action turned ideas into reality. Today, joining others who care about
democracy amplifies your impact.
- What
to do: Find local groups focused on civic engagement, like the League of
Women Voters, which promotes voter education without party ties. If
nothing exists, start small: host a voter registration drive or a
community cleanup to show democracy in action.
- Why it
matters: Movements build momentum. The civil rights era showed how
ordinary people—students, workers, parents—changed laws and minds by
standing together. Your effort, however small, adds to the chorus.
9. Protect the Vulnerable
Democracy fails if it only serves the powerful. The
Founders’ vision included protecting individual rights, though they didn’t
always live up to it. Today, standing up for those targeted—whether by unfair
policies or harassment—strengthens the system for everyone.
- What
to do: Volunteer with groups like the ACLU to defend free speech or
assembly rights. Support community centers that help immigrants,
low-income families, or minorities facing discrimination. Speak out if you
see someone unfairly targeted in your town.
- Why it
matters: When any group’s rights are eroded, everyone’s are at risk.
History shows that protecting the marginalized—like during the suffrage or
civil rights movements—expands democracy’s reach, making it truer to its
ideals.
10. Stay Committed, Even When It’s Tough
Democracy isn’t a one-time fix; it’s a lifelong commitment.
The Founders faced setbacks—war, division, doubt—but kept pushing. Today’s
challenges, from distrust to apathy, demand the same grit. Doing what’s right
isn’t always loud or glamorous; sometimes it’s quiet, steady work.
- What
to do: Set a goal—one meeting, one letter, one vote—and stick to it. Take
breaks to avoid burnout, but don’t quit. Share your efforts with others to
inspire them, like posting about a town hall you attended.
- Why
it matters: Change takes time. The Constitution wasn’t perfect in 1787,
but generations of ordinary people—abolitionists, suffragists,
reformers—improved it through persistence. Your work keeps that legacy
alive.
A Call to Action
The democracy handed down by the Founders isn’t flawless,
but it’s a system worth defending—one where right and wrong matter more than
who’s in charge. You don’t need to be a hero or a politician to make a
difference. Start small, stay steady, and focus on what unites us: a belief in
fairness, truth, and a government that answers to the people. As Benjamin
Franklin reportedly said when asked what the Founders had created, “A republic,
if you can keep it.” It’s up to us—all of us—to keep it strong.
