Secured a nationwide injunction blocking border wall construction without congressional approval and helped enact power of the purse legislation to ensure future presidents cannot circumvent Congress.
Defending the Rule of Law
Our Work
In the 21st Century, democracies tend to die by the erosion of democratic norms and guardrails rather than at the barrel of a gun.
Would-be authoritarians often abuse their power, using it to eliminate checks and balances, quash dissent, target already marginalized communities, and deepen political divisions.
The Constitution and the laws we have built around it provide tools to constrain authoritarian behavior. But many of the norms and guardrails that help define our democracy are not written into law and are not self-enforcing. Together these restraints must be exercised (and strengthened) to prevent government officials from abusing their power and to ensure the law applies equally to everyone, from the most powerful to the least.
- Uphold the principle that nobody is above the law.
- Ensure accountability for those who have attacked or undermined our democracy — regardless of their political standing.
- Ensure meaningful checks and balances on executive power.
- Stop abuses that target marginalized groups and their ability to participate in democracy.
- Protect the ability of the public and the press to voice dissenting views.
- Protect independent, non-politicized law enforcement and civil servant workforces.
Helped prevent a sitting president from politicizing the Department of Justice to interfere in an election, in part through a multi-year campaign organizing thousands of Department of Justice alumni.
Impact in the News
Congressional Testimony: How to Strengthen Congressional Oversight Capacity Congressional Testimony:
Trump Prosecutions and the Rule of Law
It is crucial that the American public understand the charges against Trump and why it all matters.
November 7, 2023
The presidential pardon power, explained
Presidential pardons are subject to various constitutional constraints.
March 18, 2024
The interesting history and opportunity of Biden’s evolution on war powers
The Yemen strikes show a need for Congress to reassert its role in war making and reestablish the balance the Founders envisioned.
March 5, 2024
Why protecting school libraries can help protect our democracy
If successful, efforts to remove books based on viewpoint will grant government the power to warp and undermine the very democracy it was meant to serve.
January 18, 2024
In deciding Trump’s ballot eligibility, the Supreme Court should apply the law without fear or favor
The question for the Supreme Court is as much about the Fourteenth Amendment as it is about whether the rule of law or the rule of the mob is the governing order of our land.
December 20, 2023
Understanding Trump’s pardon abuses
Although presidential pardons are often controversial, Trump created an entirely new class: what Protect Democracy categorizes as “henchmen pardons.”
November 29, 2023
Trump’s latest speech echoes fascist rhetoric
To get people to lose their aversion to violence, savvy authoritarians also dehumanize their enemies. That’s what Trump is doing.
November 14, 2023
Trump “gag” order: More at stake than the First Amendment
Protecting the criminal justice system from Trump’s attempts to undermine it does not amount to “election interference,” but Judge Chutkan should consider moving up the trial date
November 8, 2023
There’s no such thing as presidential immunity from criminal prosecution
Trump’s unfounded claims shouldn’t be allowed to delay his federal conspiracy trial
October 18, 2023
How a proposed regulation protects the civil service from politicized attacks: A look at the Biden administration’s response to Schedule F
The Office of Personnel Management recently announced a proposed rule to reinforce protections for federal civil servants against Schedule F.
September 28, 2023
What is the Big Lie?
The Big Lie is the false claim that the 2020 election was stolen from Donald Trump and that the Republicans who affirmed Biden’s victory were part of a conspiracy to defeat their own party’s president
August 15, 2023