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.

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

  • Stopping the Consolidation of Power
  • Op-Ed