Policy consensus is the process of generating a unified perspective on policy issues through the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data, enabling the identification of problems and the development of practical solutions based on opinions that aggregate to form a consensus. We define consensus as any verifiable polling result that achieves 68 percent or more approval by public responses on a problem or solution.

Achieving policy consensus involves generating knowledge that informs effective policy positions aimed at solving social problems. This process facilitates the productive compromise of competing perspectives based on polling and survey responses, leading to a unified understanding of both the problem and its solution. The goal is to cultivate a political process that values consensus and compromise as essential elements of governance, fostering policymaking that is inclusive and representative of the broader community.

To learn more about this dynamic concept and the ideas behind it, click HERE to read the Forwardist Paper “On the dialectical process and political consensus.”

Below is an extract of policy positions that received strong consensus from the respective reports produced by the Forward Formula on issues considered a priority to our membership. For a complete list, please see the respective reports on these issues. While these policy positions can be said to represent the general will of the people, it is important that individuals refer to the issues their candidate or official advocates for, as these should be tailored to the particular interests of their constituency. Accordingly, refer to our guardrails HERE to determine if the candidate or official is advocating for policies or laws consistent with our limiting principles.