Bolster Checks & Balances
Our government was designed to withstand the influence of corrupt officials, a recalcitrant Congress, and excessive presidential authority. But without constant attention to those guardrails, the norms of democracy are threatened.
Corruption and ethics problems have tarnished both the legislative and executive branches of our government, while rampant politicization infects the governing process. The Brennan Center fights for stronger ethics and lobbying rules to stop government dysfunction. We stand up for the rule of law. We pressure Congress to act as a watchdog on the executive branch. And we sound the alarm about the troubling growth of presidential authority.
Image
Outdated and Dangerous
Antiquated laws from the 1700s and 1800s give the president tremendous power to use the military at home to quash protests and order mass arrests in times of war and domestic upheaval.
Stay up to date