Democracy Policy Lab

The Democracy Policy Lab (DPL) engages in rigorous studies to further a new field of policy research: democracy policy. The DPL's research investigates how existing policies and institutions are vulnerable to emerging threats, as well as how policy can protect and expand majority rule, political equality, the rule of law, and other key components of governance by, for, and of the people. DPL researchers also study how policy can strengthen democracy over the long term—by building social trust and solidarity through the labor movement, increasing the inclusion of young Americans and other groups on the margins of the political system, and producing a political economy conducive to human flourishing.

Scholars at DPL use cutting-edge methods to study the workings of effective election administration, fair legislative redistricting and gerrymandering, equitable campaign finance policies, and strong relationships between American communities and policymakers. Recent DPL projects include: 

• The State Democracy Index, a quantitative measure of democratic performance across all 50 states within the U.S.
• Studies on inequalities within the campaign finance system and across race, gender, and age.
• An analysis of the effects of labor policy on voting rights. 

The Democracy Policy Lab is led by Jacob Grumbach, Associate Professor at the Goldman School of Public Policy. To learn more or engage with the DPL, please visit dpl.berkeley.edu or contact democracy-initiative@berkeley.edu.

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