LibGuides: U.S. Government (PLS 211 & 212 Online): Policy Perspectives

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Explore Different Perspectives on U.S. Politics & Policy

FindPolicy -- Public Policy
Search for reports & commentary from U.S. think tanks. See the box below for information on the political leaning of each think tank. TIP: Scroll past the sponsored results on the search results page!
National Review
Leading source of conservative analysis & commentary. TIP: To search for articles on your topic, use the "Search this publication" box.
The Atlantic
Leading liberal magazine. TIP: To search for articles on your topic, use the "Search this publication" box.

Think tanks and their political leanings

Think tanks are usually non-partisan, but many have a specific political perspective. This is a quick guide to the think tanks in Find Policy -- Public Policy.

For advice on using think tank reports in your research, see this tip sheet. If you're not sure about a think tank, ask a librarian! (online-library@nvcc.edu)

American Enterprise Institute A nonpartisan, conservative think tank emphasizing individual liberty and free enterprise.
Brookings Institution Nonpartisan think tank. Progressives think it's conservative; conservatives think it's liberal.
The Cato Institute Nonpartisan, libertarian [conservative] think tank (principles: "individual liberty, limited government, free markets and peace")
Center for American Progress Nonpartisan, progressive think tank.
Center for Budget & Policy Priorities Nonpartisan, progressive think tank (reducing poverty and inequality, fiscal responsibility)
Center for Economic and Policy Research Nonpartisan think tank committed to research and informing the public/promoting democratic debate.
Economic Policy Institute Nonpartisan, progressive think thank. Focuses on improving the condition of low and middle income workers.
The Heritage Foundation Conservative think tank.
Hoover Institution Conservative think tank. (Individual liberty, free enterprise)
Peterson International Institute for Economics Nonpartisan think tank.
National Bureau for Economic Research Nonpartisan economic policy research organization. Its working papers are highly regarded sources.
New America Foundation Nonpartisan/bi-partisan/centrist think tank. Emphasizes innovative approaches for a changing world.

RAND Nonpartisan, centrist think tank.

The Urban Institute Nonpartisan, left-leaning think tank focused on economic and social policy.

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