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.

Why Is This Important

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.

The kinds of outcomes we seek

  1. Uphold the principle that nobody is above the law
  2. Ensure accountability for those who have attacked or undermined our democracy — regardless of their political standing
  3. Ensure meaningful checks and balances on executive power
  4. Stop abuses that target marginalized groups and their ability to participate in democracy
  5. Protect the ability of the public and the press to voice dissenting views
  6. Protect independent, non-politicized law enforcement and civil servant workforces

What Impact Have We Had

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.

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.

The USDA website.

Protecting SNAP beneficiaries from government overreach

We filed a complaint in federal court challenging a demand from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for states to turn over the personal data of tens of millions Americans.

July 17, 2025

  • Defending the Rule of Law
  • Case Documents

Restoring transparency to OMB apportionment decisions

Protect Democracy is suing the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and Director Russell Vought for violating a law that requires public disclosure of “apportionments.”

April 14, 2025

  • Defending the Rule of Law
  • Case Documents
Books on a bookshelf in soft focus.

PEN America v. Escambia County School Board

Protect Democracy represents PEN America in litigation challenging the constitutionality of book bans in Escambia County.

May 17, 2023

  • Defending the Rule of Law
  • Safeguarding the Public Square
  • Case Documents