This site is a very good for looking into any policy area of concern. It provides a policy calendar, a focus on the current issue of the week, interactive opportunities, and multiple community resources for getting involved. (
http://www.policy.com
)
Commonly referred to as AEI, this research center sponsors original research that, while technically non-partisan, almost always has a strong conservative angle. The full range of policy is analyzed by social scientists of various disciplines. This is one of the very best conservative policy groups, and should be considered whether you are in agreement or opposition. (
http://www.aei.org
)
Commonly referred to as Brookings, this research center sponsors original research which is technically nonpartisan, but in effect, is usually quite moderate. There are a fair number of more liberal and more conservative proposals, but all Brookings' work tries to attain a certain high standard of intellectual quality. The full range of policy is covered, from a wide range of disciplinary perspectives. Simply, Brookings is probably one of (if not) the best policy think-tanks based in Washington, D.C. (
http://www.brook.edu
)
This is the major libertarian think tank in Washington, D.C. whose states mission is to increase understanding of public policies based on the principles of limited government, free markets, individual liberty, and peace. Since libertarianism is at least in the background of most American political discourse, it will play an increasingly important role in the policy debates of the future. (
http://www.cato.org
)
This is an important research center which focuses on campaign finance policies. The center conducts research based on campaign finance issues, and aims at creating a more involved citizenry and a more responsive Congress, especially as regards the role of money in politics. (
http://www.opensecrets.org/home/index.asp
)
Along with the AEI, this is one of the major conservative think tanks in Washington, D.C. Though technically nonpartisan, the Heritage Foundation can be consistently relied upon to offer arguments in support of free markers, limited government, individual liberty, and a strong national defense. (
http://www.heritage.org
)
This is the major "New Democrat" think tank in Washington, D.C. Affiliated with the Democratic Leadership Council, the PPI considers itself as an advocate for thoughtful alternatives to the traditional debate between the left and the right. The full range of policies are considered, though there is an emphasis on economic-domestic issues over cultural-domestic issues. (
http://www.ppionline.org/index.cfm
)