Government Power

We track the national security powers available to the executive branch and work to strengthen legislative and judicial checks.

The Brennan Center is fighting to renew America’s longstanding commitment to the rule of law and ensure that government officials serve the public interest.

Many antiterrorism initiatives unfairly target Muslims and people of color. These policies violate constitutional values of fairness, equality, and freedom of religion.

The Brennan Center educates the public about how our personal information is collected, and we challenge overbroad surveillance policies.

Authorities increasingly monitor social media to identify individuals who pose safety risks. This curtails free speech and undermines privacy, and there is little evidence that it’s effective. We expose these programs and advocate for better safeguards.

Officials are conceiving of and carrying out counterterrorism strategies behind closed doors. The Brennan Center for Justice works to improve transparency and prevent future abuses committed in the name of national security.