This worksheet guides students through a critical examination of how specific reforms could strengthen democratic institutions in the United States. Using eight real-world issues—such as campaign finance, corporate lobbying, economic inequality, and media ownership—students evaluate proposed reform strategies and then reflect on their own ideas for change.

Each section includes a concise overview of a democratic challenge, a list of potential reforms, and space for students to respond with their thoughts, solutions, or opinions. The activity supports independent thinking, classroom discussion, or follow-up assignments after lessons on government, democracy, or power structures.

This resource is ideal for government, civics, or current events classes and can be used as an exit ticket, homework assignment, or part of a civic action project. An optional extension section encourages students to write a letter to a policymaker or create a “Democracy Action Plan” with their peers.

Topics include:

• Economic inequality
• Campaign finance and Super PACs
• Corporate lobbying
• Judicial rulings on political donations
• Tax policy
• Media ownership
• Financial crisis response
• Policy influence research
  

Resource format: Editable Word document for easy printing or digital sharing. Suitable for high school or advanced middle school learners.