Trump’s Schedule F plan, explained
In October 2020, the Trump Administration issued an executive order that would have stripped protections from civil servants perceived as disloyal.
June 11, 2024
Research & Analysis
News & resources
Freedom is threatened by democracy crumbling from within. We use research, technology, and data analysis to protect what's working in our democracy today — and to help build the democracy of tomorrow.
Trapped in a Two-Party System
Americans want more parties, but we only get two. Our paper details how to give Americans more choices at the polls.
March 18, 2025
The Myth of Presidential Impoundment Power
We correct mischaracterizations of the history of presidential impoundments and demonstrate that there is no inherent presidential power to impound.
March 14, 2025
What federal workers can do to protect themselves
A list of resources for civil servants navigating attacks on the federal workforce, including actions to take ASAP, knowing your rights, and where to find legal or other support.
February 6, 2025
What does it mean for an agency to be independent?
The difference between executive departments and independent agencies, explained
February 5, 2025
Checking Presidential Impoundment of Federal Funds
We explain what an impoundment of federal funds is, when that action is unlawful, and why it matters that the Trump administration is attempting to freeze — impound — trillions in federal funding.
January 30, 2025
Expanding the House of Representatives, explained
How expansion of the House of Representatives could work — and why it would benefit democracy
January 24, 2025
What to know about the new Schedule F order
A guide to navigating the new executive actions on the federal workforce and suggestions for what civil servants can do now
January 21, 2025
New Poll Finds Republicans Oppose Pardons For Violent January 6 Convicts
A new poll finds that most Americans in the most competitive Congressional districts do not want Trump to focus on Jan. 6 pardons — including most Republicans.
January 16, 2025
Republican opposition to pardoning violent January 6 offenders persists
January 6 was not, as President Trump would have the public believe, a “day of love.” It was a day of shocking violence at the U.S. Capitol.
January 13, 2025
The election-stealing effort in North Carolina, explained
A zombie lawsuit aims to overturn and steal a NC Supreme Court race
January 11, 2025
