Democracy
487 Articles

What is the Election Assistance Commission With No Commissioners?
An expert backgrounder on the implications of President Trump's removal of all members of the bipartisan commission.

How Defending Free Speech Can Unite Unlikely Allies
The Trump administration's threats to First Amendment rights have inspired a broad front defending free speech, freedom of the press, protest rights and more.

Reflections from Today’s Judiciary on the Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence
Many actions taken by the current administration echo the grievances laid out in the Declaration of Independence against King George III.

Corruption Sanctions Have Their Flaws. Impose Them Anyway.
Corruption sanctions may not break networks or force behavioral change. But as part of a broader diplomatic strategy, they protect U.S. systems and amplify reform efforts.

As Governments Silence Critics During War, Writers Are Among the First to Pay the Price
Crackdowns on writers, culture, and free expression during war emerged as a key trend in PEN America's 2025 data for the latest annual Freedom to Write Index.

Timeline of Boat Strikes and Related Actions
A timeline that chronicles major events in the Trump administration’s campaign of lethal strikes against suspected drug traffickers in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.

Blanche Is Targeting the D.C. Bar to Remove Ethical Guardrails for the Justice Department
Legal ethics expert warns Acting AG Todd Blanche's lawsuit against the DC Bar is part of a broader campaign to free DOJ lawyers from the ethical rules governing their peers.

The Last Check: Magistrate Judges and Federal Seizures of Election Records
A magistrate judge's review of a search-warrant application may be the last meaningful safeguard against federal interference in an election.

The Collateral Damage of Anti-Trans Policymaking
From healthcare bans to funding cuts, the consequences of hate-driven policymaking opposing transgender rights ripple broadly across communities.

The Cynicism Behind the Administration’s Proposed Forced Labor Tariffs
The labor issues the U.S. Trade Representative claims to investigate are real problems. They should not become pretexts for tariffs the administration already wants.

Making Syria’s Transitional Justice Process Meaningful for Survivors and Communities
One of the central questions facing Syria is whether its emerging justice system can earn the trust of those in whose name it is being built.

US-Central African Republic Deportation Agreement Escalates Attack on Immigrants and Puts Lives at Risk
Congress should demand transparency and require the U.S. government to publicly release third-country deportation agreements, including with the Central African Republic.