Strategy Two

Change Behavior by Changing Incentives

America faces complex challenges that require action by functional, responsive leaders. But, today’s political incentive structure doesn’t reward moderation, compromise, or progress – it rewards the opposite. We are investing to change this incentive structure, because America badly needs better outcomes.

The Problem

The dysfunction of the U.S. Congress is driving American decline. We can’t make progress on the biggest issues our generation faces, even when most Americans agree on solutions. Why? The election systems that elect our leaders reward hyper-polarization and cultural grandstanding. Politicians are acting accordingly.

A Broken System

Today’s System

The Incentives Stoke Dysfunction

1. Rare Competition

80+% of congressional seats are “safe”, so the partisan primary is the only election of consequence

2. Low Voter Participation

Less than 20% of eligible voters participate in partisan primaries. Primary voters tend to be the party’s most extreme

3. Bipartisanship is punished

Solely accountable to their hyper-partisan primary voters, bipartisan compromise is a political risk for elected leaders

4. Country-Over-Party Candidates Don’t Run

Observing this hyper-polarized climate, moderate candidates are discouraged from running

5. Cynicism Grows, Patriotism Collapses

Seeing vitriol and dysfunction from their leaders, citizens become distrustful, disengaged, and even fatalistic

The Solutions

To Get Better Outcomes, We Have to Change The Incentives

End Gerrymandering

When districts are gerrymandered, they become safe for one party, effectively ending inter-party competition. ‘Safe’ districts give voters less power to decide who represents them and reduce an elected leader’s incentive to respond to the will of their constituency. We invest in campaigns to end gerrymandering by changing the process: putting cross-partisan citizen groups– rather than partisan politicians– in charge.

Reform Partisan Primaries

In all ‘safe’ districts and states, the election is effectively over after the primary. Closed, partisan primaries mean that most voters are locked out of the only election of consequence and, as a result, politicians only need to rely on a small group of their own party’s voters to be elected. We invest in campaigns to change state election systems: opening up primary elections to all voters, and giving them more candidate choices to decide who represents them.

Recruit Country-Over-Party Candidates

A democracy can only function if its leaders are unequivocally committed to a healthy, functioning system of government. They can disagree, fight for their own position, and campaign hard against their opponents, but must ultimately be willing to work together to uphold the norms of the Constitutions and make progress for the American people.

What We’re Working Towards

Healthier Incentives, Healthier Outcomes

Each state decides the rules of its own election systems, so reform on a state-by-state basis is possible and it’s working. When we include more voters in the process and incentivize leaders to put country over party, we get better results.

5. Less Cynicism, More Patriotism

4. Moderates Win, Run, and Lead

3. Bipartisan Solutions Are Valued, Expected, and Rewarded

2. More Voters Participate in Elections

1. More Competitive Elections

Investment Strategy One: Defending and Strengthening Core Institutions of Democracy. Explore this strategy +