Executive Branch
Just Security’s expert authors provide analysis of the U.S. executive branch related to national security, rights, and the rule of law. Analysis and informational resources focus on the executive branch’s powers and their limits, and the actions of the president, administrative agencies, and federal officials.
4,711 Articles
Preventing a Military Decision About Who Won a Disputed Election
"The Pentagon’s senior officials should emphasize that the military must never receive a self-interested order about who has won an election."
On El Salvador’s 1981 El Mozote Massacre, President Bukele Sides With Impunity
Survivors of the largest single massacre in modern Latin American history want him charged for failure to comply with a judicial order for documents.
Federal Employees’ Liability Risks for Following Illegal Directives to Interfere in 2020 Election
Former Acting General Counsel at the Department of Defense with a strong warning to federal employees across departments and agencies.
Good Governance Paper No. 11: Strengthening Inspectors General
Eleventh essay in a series of top experts exploring proposals to restore and promote nonpartisan principles of good government, public integrity, and the rule of law.
Ethics Groups Say Barr’s Use of DOJ Is Shredding Its Essential Independence
A new report from two independent, non-partisan groups focused on ethics in government excoriates the operation of the Justice Department during the tenure of Attorney General…
Great Power Competition Versus Counterterrorism: A False Dichotomy
Not only are these strategic priorities not necessarily at odds with one another, but in fact, they often overlap and complement each other.
Good Governance Paper No. 7: Executive Branch Vacancies
We've seen the problem with senior officials from immigration policy to arms control and more. Here are five specific flaws in the current system and how to fix them.
Good Governance Paper No. 6 (Part Two): Domestic Military Operations — The Role of the National Guard, Posse Comitatus Act and More
Sixth in series of top experts exploring proposals to restore and promote nonpartisan principles of good government, public integrity, and rule of law.
The President and Immigration Law Series: Reflections on the Future of American Immigration Policy
Our series on The President and Immigration Law concludes. Authors Cristina Rodríguez and Adam Cox reflect on the future as illuminated by the contributions to the series, highlighting…
Good Governance Paper No. 6 (Part One): Domestic Military Operations — Reforming the Insurrection Act
Sixth in series of top experts exploring proposals to restore and promote nonpartisan principles of good government, public integrity, and the rule of law.
Think Beyond the Beltway — Bring Mayors and Governors to the Foreign Policy Table
States, regions, and cities are already on the frontlines, as in the pandemic. The federal government should support these contacts for the global future.
Good Governance Paper No. 5: Prepublication Review — How to Fix a Broken System
Fifth in series of top experts exploring proposals to restore and promote nonpartisan principles of good government, public integrity, and rule of law.