What are Progressives?

Progressivism is a political movement that seeks to secure justice for the governed. It has its own history, its own culture, and its own politics in America. Its accomplishments include
emancipation, universal adult suffrage, and better conditions for workers.

Progressives of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson, kept corporate power in check and expanded rights for ordinary citizens. Later progressives helped the United States to become the leader of the free world.

Today, the progressive movement is associated with:

• economic justice reforms that seek to end the domination of public policy by corporations
  
• the advancement collective bargaining and the right to work for a living wage
  
• fair distribution of the tax burden
  
• fair distribution of government resources to put the needs of ordinary citizens first
  

Progressives believe that the needs of ordinary citizens should be the priority in public policy. Progressivism is pragmatic. It's driven by the American values that have made our country stronger and better. Progressives believe we have the tools to make this nation’s future brighter for all.

Progressivism isn't necessarily the same as liberalism. Progressivism is an attitude towards politics that goes beyond the ideologies of liberalism vs. conservatism.

Liberals promote social justice, sometimes without addressing the underlying economics. Liberals value individual freedom, democratic government, freedom of thought and belief, and equal opportunity. Liberals believe that problems can be solved through government intervention.

Progressives seek systemic change or reform, with an emphasis on economic justice. Progressivism is about the ultimate American ideals of pragmatism and fairness. Progressives see the world as it is, ever-evolving, and choose the best course of action in line with their values.

Progressives encourage personal and moral responsibility, and promote respect for ethical values. They see government intervention as one solution among many. They understand that government can be force for good, but they believe that ordinary citizens can use both public and private tools to solve problems.

One reason that people sometimes equate progressivism and liberalism is that progressivism is grounded in liberal values and ethics. It’s driven by a desire to promote fairness, human well-being, and opportunity. Progressives believe in maximizing human freedom and helping society (and its individual members) achieve their full potential.

Progressives are also inherently democratic. They believe in participation and leadership for all Americans. Power, wealth, and information must flow freely, rather than be concentrated in the hands of a few, so that all citizens can contribute.

The progressive movement within the Democratic Party offers an overarching vision on core issues on which all of us can agree because they affect us all.

Progressives believe in:

• The rule of law
  A secure nation that protects its citizens and respects the sovereignty of other nations
  
• Living wages and fair working conditions
  
• Public office-holders who serve the best interests of ordinary citizens instead of the corporations and the very wealthy
  
• The separation of church and state, including not only freedom of religion, but freedom from religion
  
• Universal healthcare
  
• The right of every person to control his or her own body
  
• Public education from preschool through community college
  
• Helping children and older adults in need of basic services for survival
  
• Protecting the environment
  
• Protecting consumers from harmful products
  
• A progressive tax policy where corporations and citizens pay their fair share based on their income to fund the basic functions of government
  
• A nation that lives within its means and renounces deficit spending
  

This is not extremism. This is life lived with American values and economic justice. This is the center of the Democratic Party.