At Moonshot Press, democracy is the cornerstone of everything we do. Our goal is to reimagine what it means for every citizen to thrive in a democratic society, and to provide the tools and knowledge necessary to make that vision a reality. We empower citizens to be informed, engaged, and proactive participants in the democratic process. With actionable information and collaborative tools, citizens are equipped to make a meaningful impact, shaping their communities and nation in positive ways. By fostering personal, social, and political engagement, Moonshot Press inspires inclusive, responsive, and resilient democracies.

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Through insights drawn from various fields—including political science, social theory, economics, and healthcare—we aim to optimize each citizen’s core capabilities for a flourishing life. Understanding the complex factors that shape our civic and social environments allows us to craft detailed plans for empowered, active citizenship.

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Key Questions

In exploring democracy, we address several essential questions:

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• What challenges confront liberal democracy today?

• How can we support democracy during challenging times?

• What are the tools and resources citizens need to thrive and participate in a democracy?

• What responsibilities do we have to future generations?

• What core capabilities are essential for thriving in a democratic society?

 

Key Areas of Focus

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1. The Democracy of Opportunity Moonshot

The Democracy of Opportunity Moonshot recognizes the fundamental need to ensure equal opportunities, rights, and well-being for all individuals. It offers a comprehensive framework, tools, and resources that empower citizens to fully participate in society. By addressing systemic inequalities and dismantling social barriers, this initiative creates an environment in which every individual can flourish. Citizens are not just passive recipients of democracy—they actively shape a vibrant, inclusive, and responsive political landscape.

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2. Understanding the Salutogenic Model in Politics

Adapted from the health field, the salutogenic paradigm—developed by medical sociologist Aaron Antonovsky—shifts the focus from diagnosing problems to identifying what keeps individuals and societies healthy. In politics, this means focusing on what fosters resilience, meaningful citizen engagement, and collective well-being. By encouraging citizens to participate in ways that promote both personal and societal health, we can cultivate a more dynamic, inclusive, and resistant democracy, one that can withstand the pressures of extremism, apathy, and authoritarianism.

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Key Concepts:

• Comprehensibility: Citizens understand their political environment as ordered and consistent.

• Manageability: People believe they have the resources and tools to meaningfully participate.

• Meaningfulness: Citizens feel that their political engagement is important and worthwhile.

By applying these principles, Moonshot Press nurtures a political environment where citizens are not only participants but creators of a more coherent, resilient democracy.

 

3. A Republic, If You Can Keep It: Developing a User’s Guide to the U.S. Constitution

Understanding and safeguarding the U.S. Constitution is critical for maintaining democracy. Moonshot Press is dedicated to developing accessible, insightful content on how the Constitution functions as a living document. We aim to create a "user’s guide" to the Constitution, helping citizens understand their rights, responsibilities, and the importance of constitutional principles in today’s political climate.

 

4. Nurturing Political Agency

Political agency is the ability to make meaningful decisions that affect one’s life and society. At the core of Moonshot Press is the enhancement of political agency among citizens. We provide the tools and resources needed to encourage active participation in personal, social, and political spheres, empowering individuals to shape their communities, influence policy, and engage constructively in democratic processes.

 

5. United States First Principles @250

As the U.S. approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding, Moonshot Press looks back at the first principles set forth in the Declaration of Independence. These enduring principles—equality, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—remain central to shaping the American political system and protecting the rights of citizens.

This initiative reflects on how these principles are being upheld today, how they are evolving, and what their role will be in the next phase of American democracy. By revisiting these foundational ideals, we seek to empower citizens to uphold and defend the democratic values that sustain the United States.