Learning Commons | Cardinal Cushing Library

Introduction to Public Policy Research: Home

Senate homepage with resources related to individual lawmakers and state representation.

• See list of senators and list of committees.
• Secretary of the Senate
• Senate Virtual Reference Desk

• The House Explained (Links to official House Rules documentation)

An action-oriented research organization that provides data and written analysis on the effect of interest groups on elections and policy.

The 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.

Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (Tufts) provides info about voter registration numbers, barriers; oriented toward young people

Contains candidate biographies, voting records, issue positions, public statements, campaign finance and interest group ratings for federal and state elections.

A nonprofit research and analysis organization examining diverse issues worldwide with its headquarters campus in Santa Monica, CA.

(Politically conservative think tank)

A "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.

(Politically progressive think tank)

Think tank dedicated to "improv[ing] the socioeconomic status and civic engagement of African Americans."

The 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.

Create a custom search of various think tanks. The page also links to directories of US and international think tanks.

Located 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.