Democratic ideals
The publication is organized around twelve democratic ideals. Each entry is tagged with one or more specific abuses; abuses roll up to a single parent ideal. Explore an ideal to see its definition and the events that erode it.
Sources we draw on
Where useful, individual ideal pages link to authoritative non-partisan references. The publication's primary anchor is the National Constitution Center's Interactive Constitution, which pairs leading liberal and conservative scholars on each constitutional clause. For supplementary federal case-law and statutory coverage, the Library of Congress's Constitution Annotated — produced by the Congressional Research Service — is the closest thing to a definitive reference work. Specific topics also draw on the Government Accountability Office, the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, the Federal Election Commission, and the Cornell Law School's Legal Information Institute. We intentionally avoid sourcing from advocacy-affiliated organizations, even highly credible ones, because the publication's claim to non-partisanship is part of the editorial product.
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Free and fair elections
Elections that are accessible, accurate, peaceful, and respected by losers as well as winners. The foundation of democratic legitimacy.
10 abuses tracked, 0 entries documented.
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Rule of law and equal application
The same law applies to everyone, including those who wield power. Lawful processes — not personal will — determine outcomes.
6 abuses tracked, 0 entries documented.
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Separation of powers and independent oversight
Checks and balances among branches of government, plus independent watchdogs (inspectors general, GAO, the courts) functioning without political interference.
10 abuses tracked, 1 entry documented.
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Free press
Journalists able to report on power without fear of retaliation, prosecution, or coercive access restrictions. A free press is the public's primary tool for accountability.
6 abuses tracked, 0 entries documented.
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Freedom of speech, assembly, and association
The right to speak, protest, organize, and associate — including in criticism of those in power — without state retaliation.
5 abuses tracked, 0 entries documented.
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Public service over self-dealing
Public office is held in trust for the public. Officials do not enrich themselves, their families, or their donors through the exercise of public power.
8 abuses tracked, 0 entries documented.
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Civilian control of armed and uniformed services
Military and law enforcement are subordinate to civilian, lawful authority and do not serve as instruments of political power against citizens.
4 abuses tracked, 0 entries documented.
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Honest government data and scientific integrity
Public records, agency data, and scientific findings reflect reality, not the preferences of those in power. Government scientists and statisticians can do their jobs without political retaliation.
5 abuses tracked, 0 entries documented.
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Civil rights and equal protection
Government does not target, exclude, or disadvantage people on the basis of identity, belief, or association. The protection of law extends equally to all.
4 abuses tracked, 0 entries documented.
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Due process
Before the state takes liberty, property, or status, there is notice, a hearing, counsel where required, and meaningful opportunity to be heard.
6 abuses tracked, 0 entries documented.
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National sovereignty and freedom from foreign influence
Decisions made by US officials reflect lawful US interests — not undisclosed foreign payments, foreign electoral interference, or irregular foreign-intelligence relationships.
4 abuses tracked, 0 entries documented.
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Accountable use of state force
When the state wields coercive power — police, corrections, federal law enforcement, immigration enforcement — that wielding is itself subject to law, oversight, and consequence.
9 abuses tracked, 0 entries documented.