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Democracy
Trump’s pardons of Rudy Giuliani and other election deniers are a reminder that the 2026 midterms will face an extraordinary new source of pressure: the federal government itself.
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Fair RepresentationGerrymandering ExplainedThe practice has long been a thorn in the side of American democracy, but it’s becoming a bigger threat than ever.
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Rule of LawThere Is No InsurrectionTroops are for national defense, not displays of presidential power.
News and Analysis
Critical thinking from Brennan Center experts.
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Analysis
How Congress Can Rein in Surging Political Corruption
Federal lawmakers can protect the American public by passing a new law to fully implement the Constitution’s oldest anticorruption safeguards.
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Analysis
What’s at Stake in the Supreme Court Tariffs Case
If the Court blesses the president’s use of emergency powers to evade Congress, the consequences would be profound.
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Analysis
State Legislatures Can Push Back Against Citizens United
Jay Swanson , Eric Petry -
Analysis
One Year to Defend Elections
Michael Waldman -
Q&A
An Insider’s View of the Immigration System
Margy O’Herron , Gabriella Sanchez -
Q&A
Harms of the Federal Funding Freeze on Science
Kendall Verhovek -
Analysis
Defending "Sanctuary" Principles During the Chicago Crackdown
Spencer Reynolds , Matthew Ruppert
Defend Democracy. Reform Justice. Protect the Constitution.
Democracy at Risk
Stopping Political Violence
Documenting the rise of political violence and finding ways to break the cycle is been a central part of the Brennan Center’s work.
Solutions
Innovative reforms to protect our democracy.
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A State Agenda for Election Security and Resiliency
ImageIllustration of three hands holding a ballot box as a fourth hand slips a ballot through the slot on top. States must step up to help election officials protect their staff, facilities, and voting systems.
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Limiting the Military’s Role in Law Enforcement
ImageCollage illustration of soldiers and government buildings The Posse Comitatus Act bars the armed forces from serving as civilian police, but loopholes and exceptions undermine its effectiveness.
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Supreme Court Term Limits
ImageIllustration of Supreme Court exterior Staggered 18-year terms would bring regular turnover to the bench. The result would be a Court that better reflects prevailing public values.
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A Federal Agenda to Promote Safety and Justice
ImageIllustration of the Scales of Justice The president and Congress can take targeted measures to prevent crime, reduce incarceration and recidivism, and save money.
Join the fight for democracy
We can change the system when we work together. Let’s make sure all our voices count.
Collection
Corruption in America
The threat that corruption poses to democracy has never been greater, requiring bold reforms to return power to the American people.
Explainer
Voting Rights Act
Recent Supreme Court rulings have left the landmark law in tatters. It must be restored to full strength.
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