American Democracy: Evolving, Not Eroding

Randi McCray, a fellow at Yale University, presents a commentary arguing that American democracy is not eroding but evolving. She reflects on the historical development of democracy in the United States, noting its initial exclusionary design and subsequent expansion through collective action. McCray emphasizes that evolution is not inherently progress and that the current inflection point requires active shaping of democracy's future by all citizens, not just those in formal power. She advocates for civic responsibility and a shift away from a zero-sum approach to ensure that all people can access some of what they need from the system.