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
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Congressional Testimony: How to Strengthen Congressional Oversight Capacity Congressional Testimony:
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
NC Supreme Court needs to walk back from the ledge and uphold Harper v. Hall
The state Supreme Court’s handling of the Harper case has brought the perception of it as a neutral arbiter to a precipice; overruling Harper would push it over.
March 16, 2023
January 8 Was a Terrible Day for Brazilian Democracy. It Was Not Another January 6.
Unlike in the United States, major political allies of Bolsonaro acknowledged his opponent’s win right out of the gate and spoke out quickly in support of democracy.
January 16, 2023
The January 6 Committee Was a Boon to Democracy
Despite severe limitations and outsized expectations, the official investigation into the attack on the Capitol achieved the same measure of success as other similar inquiries.
November 28, 2022
Passing Electoral Count Act reforms is vital to national security
November 21, 2022
Without Congressional Action, Lafayette Square and January 6th Can Happen Again
In the two and a half years since National Guard troops descended on Lafayette Square during peaceful protests, Congress has done little to prevent it from happening again.
November 16, 2022
Jan. 6 Panel Is Poised to Return Amid Growing Signs That Accountability Is Coming
The return of the Jan. 6 committee may also mean that accountability is coming for those involved.
October 10, 2022
Independent State Legislatures and Presidential Elections: Addressing Misconceptions About Current Law and Prospects for Reform
There are misconceptions about the Independent State Legislature theory and how it interacts with existing election law.
August 16, 2022
We Are Retired Generals and Admirals. Trump’s Actions on Jan. 6 Were a Dereliction of Duty.
Seven retired four-star generals and admirals condemned former President Trump's dereliction of duty ahead of the Jan. 6 Select Committee's final televised hearing in July.
July 21, 2022
Federal Government Getting Ready to Open Its Books and Show Us the Receipts
As members of Congress and staff dig into President Biden’s 2023 budget request, they have a new tool for tracking when, where, and how the president is authorizing federal agencies to spend money.
June 27, 2022
