Democracy Needs You: 10 Actions to Protect Our Republic

The Jack Hopkins Now Newsletter #312

Democracy Needs You: 10 Actions to Protect Our Republic

I wrote on this topic a while back. I’m writing about it again…and again…and again. It’s that important.

The single greatest risk to the survival of American democracy isn’t an external enemy, like Trump, (even thought he’s a BIG part of the real threat) or one dramatic event—it’s the erosion of democratic norms and institutions from within, driven by extreme partisan polarization and elite actors who refuse to play by the rules.

Norm-breaking by leaders:

When those in power weaponize state institutions against opponents…threatening prosecutions…stacking courts…or using executive authority to punish critics…it signals that “winning” can override the rule of law.

As Bright Line Watch experts warn, even small incursions on institutional independence create a chilling effect…deterring citizens and elites alike from participating in politics for fear of retribution.

Partisan polarization and “us vs. them”:

Political scientists identify deeply polarized two-party presidentialism and a fractured social fabric…often structured by race and economic inequality…as key drivers of democratic backsliding in the U.S. Hostile framing of the opposing side as “illegitimate” lays the groundwork for refusing to accept election results or curbing rivals’ voting rights

Undermining elections and peaceful transfers of power:

Repeated challenges to the legitimacy of American elections…claims of widespread fraud…aggressive voter-ID and gerrymandering laws…and public threats to refuse certification…strike at democracy’s core.

When peaceful transitions become contested…trust evaporates and the incentive to resort to extra-legal measures grows.

Erosion of a free press and civil society:

Attacks on independent journalism (“fake news” rhetoric), efforts to defund or control public media, and assertions that civic organizations are “enemies of the people” hollow out the watchdog role that keeps government honest.

Without robust information flows and a free civil sphere, citizens can neither hold leaders accountable nor mobilize in defense of democratic norms.

Taken together, these patterns of norm erosion…rather than one singular policy or scandal…pose the most profound threat. Once political actors see rule-breaking go unpunished…it becomes ever harder to draw the line, and the very foundations of self-government begin to crumble.

In short: our number-one threat is democratic backsliding driven by polarized elites who abandon the unwritten norms…mutual toleration…institutional forbearance…respect for electoral outcomes….that undergird constitutional order.

Here are ten concrete actions U.S. citizens can take right now to preserve and strengthen our democracy:

Cultivate a healthy information diet and fight mis-/disinformation:

Shift away from algorithm-driven social feeds and sensational news, use reputable outlets…learn to spot false narratives via CISA or Poynter’s MediaWise…and correct friends and family when you see misleading claims.

Look, I’ve posted something that turned out to be untrue. I usually find out within a few minutes…because my sixth sense pushes me hard…to dig deeper and make sure. The instant I find out a story is inaccurate, I delete it. Simple as that.

I usually check out the story…first. That’s always best. However, sometimes…when I’m rushing, I do it backwards…and that’s when it gets me.

Support free, independent journalism:

Subscribe (or donate) to local papers and high-quality national outlets…or Substack newsletters like mine. Your dollars keep watchdog reporters and independent writers like me in business and help expose abuses of power and increase our chances for preserving democracy.

Know and engage your local representatives:

Look up who sits on your school board, city council, state legislature…and Congress; then attend one local meeting (e.g. town hall, school board) this month to learn the issues and make your voice heard.

Secure your communications and build resilient networks:

Move critical conversations onto encrypted apps like Signal (Yes, THAT Signal), maintain an up-to-date contact list outside social media…and routinely touch base with friends, family, and civic peers so you can mobilize quickly if norms are threatened.

Vote in every election—and help others do the same:

Local, state, and midterm votes often decide the rules of democracy. Make a voting plan…volunteer for a nonpartisan get-out-the-vote effort…or simply offer rides or reminders to neighbors.

Will we have another free and fair election? In my opinion, that’s a question no one…and I mean no one…can answer right now with a high degree of certainty.

However, we might…and wouldn’t it be the shits, if we had become so complacent, that we missed our opportunity to start turning things around in the midterms? (The answer is “Yes. It would.”)

Advocate for voting-rights and fair representation reforms:

Call on Congress and your state legislature to pass measures like automatic registration…fair districting commissions…and restoration of the full Voting Rights Act to make elections more accessible and equitable.

Hold elected and appointed leaders accountable:

When institutions…from the Justice Department to local courts…are undermined, organize a petition…contact your representatives….or join peaceful demonstrations demanding checks and balances be respected.

Defend democratic institutions—free press, civil society, and an independent judiciary:

Speak out against attacks on journalists, support nonprofits protecting civic freedoms, and insist courts remain free from political interference.

Engage in cross-partisan dialogue:

Sit down (or Zoom) with someone whose politics differ from yours…not to “win” but to understand their concerns…build trust…and demonstrate that democracy thrives when we respect dissent. I know, that doesn’t sound very appealing. In fact, based on your previous experiences…it likely seems futile.

However, just be patient..and very selective, and when you find someone who has different beliefs….but is respectful…and truly interested in having a genuine discussion…do it. You won’t likely have a bunch of those, but be open to them if and when the opportunities present themselves.

Donate or volunteer with nonpartisan pro-democracy organizations:

Groups like Protect Democracy, the Brennan Center, Common Cause, or your local League of Women Voters rely on citizen support to monitor elections, challenge harmful laws, and educate voters for the long haul.

By combining informed individual action…community building…and institutional vigilance, Americans can push back against democratic erosion and ensure our system endures.

Take care. I’ll talk with you again soon!

Best,

Jack