About This Guide
This research guide will help you get started on researching current public policy issues and finding ways you can take action. We kept it simple - just a sample of leading sites that are likely starting places. Not finding what you're looking for? Ask your librarian!
Governmental Links
Federal:
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United States SenateSenate homepage with resources related to individual lawmakers and state representation.
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United States House of Representatives
- The House Explained (Links to official House Rules documentation)
State:
National Organizations:
Additional Organizations
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Center for Responsive Politics (opensecrets.org)An action-oriented research organization that provides data and written analysis on the effect of interest groups on elections and policy.
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Center for Urban Policy ResearchThe Center for Urban Policy Research (CUPR), a component of the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, is nationally and internationally recognized for its research on the most critical issues facing communities today. CUPR tackles research on these issues in New Jersey, in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, and nationwide.
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CIRCLECenter for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (Tufts) provides info about voter registration numbers, barriers; oriented toward young people
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Project Vote SmartContains candidate biographies, voting records, issue positions, public statements, campaign finance and interest group ratings for federal and state elections.
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Rand CorporationA nonprofit research and analysis organization examining diverse issues worldwide with its headquarters campus in Santa Monica, CA.
Think Tanks
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American Enterprise Institute(Politically conservative think tank)
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Brookings InstitutionA "nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, DC." Search by topic and use the "Expert" tab by country or region to access articles by experts in a specific region.
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Center on Budget and Policy Priorities(Politically progressive think tank)
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Joint Center for Political and Economic StudiesThink tank dedicated to "improv[ing] the socioeconomic status and civic engagement of African Americans."
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Pew Research CenterThe Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan "fact tank" that provides information on the issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and the world. It does not take positions on policy issues. Click on Datasets link to find statistical reports arranged by broad research areas and to download data sets. Select Topics link to search by subject or among polling questions.
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Think Tank SearchCreate a custom search of various think tanks. The page also links to directories of US and international think tanks.
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Urban InstituteLocated in Washington, D.C., the Urban Institute is a nonprofit policy research organization. The Justice Policy Center (JPC) carries out nonpartisan research on crime, justice, and community safety.
Internationally-Focused Think Tanks: