Stopping the Consolidation of Power

our work

We work to prevent unchecked power, defend the rule of law, and protect the right to dissent.

Why Is This Important

The United States must maintain three co-equal branches of government, each with their own responsibilities. 

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 deployed (and strengthened) to prevent the executive branch from abusing its power and to ensure the law applies equally to everyone, from the most powerful to the least.

The kinds of outcomes we seek

  • Uphold the principle that nobody is above the law.
  • 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.

What Impact Have We Had

When the Office of Management and Budget stopped following a law that requires them to publicly share how the White House is using federal taxpayer dollars, we sued and forced them to restore the data.

We are working with legislators in a number of states on legislation that would allow people to sue any official — federal, state, or local — who violates their constitutional rights.

Safeguarding a nonpartisan civil service

Protect Democracy is protecting a nonpartisan, merit-based civil service through litigation, communications, policy, and other advocacy.

May 20, 2026

  • Building Pro-Democracy Collective Action
  • Stopping the Consolidation of Power
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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

  • Stopping the Consolidation of Power
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Reporters raise their hands to ask a question of Acting Director of the Office of Management and Budget Russell Vought during a press briefing Monday, March 11, 2019, in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House. (Official White House Photo by Tia Dufour)

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

  • Stopping the Consolidation of Power
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Department of Justice Sign

Maintaining the integrity of the Department of Justice

Protect Democracy engages in litigation and advocacy to preserve the rule of law and prevent an authoritarian-minded executive from using government law enforcement powers as a political weapon.

January 13, 2025

  • Stopping the Consolidation of Power
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Reforming the National Emergencies Act

Protect Democracy has led in the effort to reform the national emergency system to build stronger checks on the use of national emergencies.

November 3, 2022

  • Stopping the Consolidation of Power
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Scales of Justice and Gavel

Fighting Disinformation in Court

Law for Truth, a project of Protect Democracy, works to stop those who intentionally or recklessly spread false information that undermines our democracy.

October 31, 2022

  • Safeguarding the Public Square
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