Creating a Roadmap for a Stronger Democracy
In an age when democracy in the U.S. is threatened by disinformation, polarization, and the willful erosion of democratic guardrails, how can we create a more resilient political system in which everyone has a meaningful voice, regardless of wealth, race, or gender?
For more than a decade, Adam Eichen’s work has been driven by a commitment to promoting a more equal and representative democracy. But what was once a topic that rarely garnered mainstream coverage has today developed into a pressing issue of widespread concern.
“Our democracy is facing a five-alarm fire. Politicians are undermining election rules for partisan gain, democratic norms are being shattered, and the American people have lost faith in our political institutions. My intellectual passion is to study not only how we got here but also the solutions to protect and expand our democracy moving forward,” says Eichen, a PhD student in political science at UMass Amherst.
A New York City native, Eichen studied political science and French at Vassar College as an undergraduate. After graduating, he conducted independent research on comparative democracy at Sciences Po in Paris and later worked for several years as a democracy reform advocate. He also coauthored a popular press book, Daring Democracy: Igniting Power, Meaning, and Connection for the America We Want.
In 2020, Eichen decided to pursue a PhD in political science to deepen his knowledge of political institutions and public opinion and develop the skills to more effectively make a difference in American civic life and politics. He chose UMass Amherst’s College of Social & Behavioral Sciences because of its strong reputation in public opinion research—notably through the UMass Poll—and its renowned faculty with expertise in his areas of interest.
“I can think of no better place than UMass to study democracy,” Eichen says. “The political science department encourages a holistic understanding of our democracy crisis, and, alongside the UMass Poll, gives students the analytical tools to conduct cutting-edge research about democracy, policy, and representation.”
Eichen has authored several peer-reviewed articles in top political science journals, as well as coauthored a short book, Money, Partisanship and Power in Local Politics (Cambridge University Press, 2025) with colleagues at UMass Amherst and Clark University. He has also presented his research at major national and regional political science conferences. In recognition of his scholarly accomplishments and impact, he was recently named a UMass Amherst Groundbreaking Graduate Student.
Empowering Citizens
Eichen’s dissertation research explores the passage of “citizen empowerment policies,” including ethics, campaign finance, and redistricting reforms. In particular, he’s interested in why state governments pass such reforms that seemingly run counter to lawmakers’ self-interests.
“I hope that by uncovering the factors that lead to the successful passage of citizen empowerment policies, I can provide a roadmap for practitioners and lawmakers in other states who want to adopt these policies and, in doing so, help bring about a stronger democracy,” says Eichen.
Eichen’s dissertation argues that the passage of citizen empowerment policies is brought about by the dynamic interplay between political scandals, good government interest groups, entrepreneurial legislators, governors, and legislative leaders.
Eichen also serves as lead graduate fellow at the UMass Poll, taking a leadership role in surveying Americans’ attitudes on topics around race, gender, political inclusion, and democratic values. He has helped design, field, and analyze dozens of major public opinion surveys, which have shaped public dialogue and received coverage in numerous major media outlets. He has additionally published research and op-eds about the results.
“The UMass Poll leverages the team’s expertise in political psychology, survey methodology, and American politics to capture a nuanced and comprehensive picture of what Americans think about timely issues and current events. We take great care to present our findings in accessible formats so that lawmakers, advocates, journalists, and the public can use the data effectively. I truly believe that this type of thoughtful academic polling can serve to make our politics more responsive to the American people,” explains Eichen.
I truly believe that this type of thoughtful academic polling can serve to make our politics more responsive to the American people.
Mentoring the Next Generation of Political Scientists and Civic Leaders
Together with his advisor, Jesse Rhodes, professor of political science, Eichen cofounded and codirects the UMass Poll Undergraduate Fellow Program, a highly selective and rigorous training program for undergraduates. Every semester, between four and eight students receive training in every aspect of public opinion polling—from research design to statistical analysis, and from survey methodology to writing UMass Poll questions. Students spend the semester coauthoring academic papers based on poll data and present their findings at an annual political science conference at the end of the semester.
“Mentoring undergraduates has undoubtedly been the most rewarding part of my time at UMass. There are so many students here who are eager to learn more about politics and the world around them, push themselves to think critically and deeply, and develop the skills to make the world a better place,” says Eichen. “I am so proud of my mentees who, through hard work, dedication, and the UMass experience, have become exceptional citizens, whether as graduate and law students, political advocates, or civic leaders.”
There are so many students here who are eager to learn more about politics and the world around them, push themselves to think critically and deeply, and develop the skills to make the world a better place.
Eichen himself has benefited from the guidance of two extraordinary mentors at UMass, Rhodes and Tatishe M. Nteta, provost professor of political science and director of the UMass Poll.
“They’ve taken me under their wings from my first days at UMass and have given me every opportunity to succeed,” Eichen says. “They are sensational mentors, colleagues, and coauthors and have always been so generous with their time and faith in me. Because of them, I am ready and able to answer important, complex questions about American life, democracy, racial injustice, and public opinion.”