Policy Solution

A dangerous wartime authority is broad enough that it could be used for mass deportations in the absence of war.

The Posse Comitatus Act bars the armed forces from serving as civilian police, but loopholes and exceptions undermine its effectiveness.

Lawmakers need support to address challenges such as climate change and artificial intelligence.

Reforms to focus DHS’s work and guard against overreach depend on strengthened internal oversight offices.

Programs that determine people’s ability to travel are rife with civil liberties abuses, and the government has not demonstrated that they keep Americans safe. DHS must adopt transparency and accountability measures.

Officials too often distort research for political gain. Legislatures and agencies can push back by establishing standards for evidence-based policymaking, protections for scientists, and executive branch watchdogs.

To ensure that elections remain peaceful, states must ban guns at places where votes are cast and counted and enact stronger anti-intimidation laws.

State legislators, local administrators, and advocates must strengthen and clarify election processes, preempt disinformation, and enact stronger measures against intimidation.

Staggered 18-year terms would bring regular turnover to the bench. The result would be a Court that better reflects prevailing public values.

Federal, state, and local officials must work together to safeguard the democratic process.