How Everyday Americans Can Stand Up for Democracy

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.