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Policy Brief  

The Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission: One State’s Model for Reform

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Issues

Democratic Reform

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In most states, redistricting, the process by which electoral district boundaries are drawn, is an overtly partisan exercise controlled by state legislatures. The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2019 decision Rucho v. Common Cause held that federal courts cannot review allegations of partisan gerrymandering. Independent redistricting in practice has proven remarkably successful along several dimensions. This policy brief outlines key lessons learned from redistricting in Arizona, a state with a five-person independent redistricting commission.

More on this Issue

Descended from Immigrants and Revolutionists: “How Family History Shapes Immigration Policymaking”
Cover photo of paper against a dark green background.

Occasional Paper

Descended from Immigrants and Revolutionists: “How Family History Shapes Immigration Policymaking”

The study examines the influence of family history on U.S. lawmakers’ views on immigration policy, finding that legislators with immigrant ancestry tend to support more permissive immigration laws and speak more positively about immigration. It suggests that personal background, including family history and identity, plays a significant role in shaping policymaking, especially on contentious issues like immigration.

Understanding DOGE and Your Data
DOGE

Additional Resource

Understanding DOGE and Your Data

Over the past several weeks, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) within the Trump Administration has been embedding staff in a range of United States federal agencies. These staff have gained access to data maintained by the federal government. This guide explains what is in the data, what DOGE is doing with it, and why it matters to all Americans.

The Democratic Dismantling of Democracies: How Leaders Undermine the Systems That Elect Them
Various world leaders in an image together.

Commentary

The Democratic Dismantling of Democracies: How Leaders Undermine the Systems That Elect Them

A recent panel discussion explored global patterns of democratic backsliding, focusing on the experiences of Venezuela, Thailand, and the United States. Moderated by Archon Fung, director of the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, the conversation shared insights into how democratically elected leaders systematically erode checks and balances to consolidate power. The panelists highlighted common tactics of democratic erosion, and also strategies for safeguarding democracy.