Democracy Is 

Worth Fighting For

America’s political extremism and divisions are at an all-time high. At LDI, we believe there is nothing more worth saving than our democracy. As an organization we work every day to find the path forward.

Research

The Lincoln Democracy Institute (LDI) set out to tackle this challenge by creating the 2023 Lincoln Democracy Index. LDI, along with our partner QuestionPro, interviewed more than 17,000 registered voters between January and April 2023.

The Impact of Extremism on Democratic Norms in the US
Research

The Impact of Extremism on Democratic Norms in the US

Extremism, polarization, and violence are increasingly significant threats to the American electorate and the democratic principles upon which the United States was founded. These issues challenge the core values of democracy, making it more critical than ever to address their impact with a values-based and consumer-centric approach. Extremism manifests in various forms, from radical ideological…

root of political violence
Research

The Root of Political Violence

Political violence is a growing concern in many parts of the world, often fueled by rising extremism and deep-seated divisions. Although current trends show a significant portion of radicalized individuals on one side of the political spectrum, the cycle of extremism can affect people across all political affiliations. This dynamic can lead to violent conflicts…

protecting democracy in the longterm
Research

Protecting Democracy in the Long Term

Protecting democracy in the long term requires a multifaceted approach that emphasizes civic education, robust institutions, and inclusive dialogue. Here are several key strategies to ensure the sustainability of democratic systems: Civic Education: Educating citizens about the principles and functioning of democracy is fundamental. Schools should incorporate comprehensive civics programs that teach students about the…

The Latest

2023 Democracy Index Survey | News

New Survey: More Extremist Electorate Is Raising The Threat Of Election Violence

A new survey from The Lincoln Democracy Institute shows the threat of election violence is growing as political extremism has become normalized. The findings were part of the Democracy Index, a new research project of the American electorate meant to determine what drives political extremism and how to refine political engagement to oppose radicalized forces…

Research
2023 Democracy Index Survey | News

2023 Democracy Index

On January 20, 2025, America’s experiment with democracy will either continue as it has for over two hundred forty-eight years, or it will die. Democracy’s fate will not be decided by who wins in November 2024. Rather, the outcome will be determined by whether those on the side receiving fewer votes will peacefully accept governance by…

News

Lincoln Democracy Institute Tells Voters The Choice Is For Democracy Or Autocracy

November 4, 2022 – In a new video, the Lincoln Democracy Institute tells voters about how the choice they make this election will define America’s future for years. Voters can either feed into a phony narrative that instills fear, or instead embrace hope and a belief in America’s democratic traditions.  “This is the most important election for democracy in…