What is The Protect Democracy Project?
The Protect Democracy Project is a nonpartisan nonprofit with an urgent goal: to hold the President and the Executive Branch accountable to the laws and longstanding practices that have protected our democracy through both Democratic and Republican Administrations. We have seen an unprecedented tide of authoritarian-style politics sweep the country that is fundamentally at odds with the Bill of Rights, the constitutional limitations on the role of the President, and the laws and unwritten norms that prevent overreach and abuse of power. The only limits to prevent a slide away from our democratic traditions will be those that are imposed by the Courts, Congress, and the American people.
The Protect Democracy Project provides public education on these threats and how the American people can best confront them. The Protect Democracy Project advances its educational mission through monitoring, investigating, public outreach, and, when appropriate, litigating against government actions that threaten our democracy and the free, fair, and fully-informed pursuit of self-government.
The Protect Democracy Project was conceived by a group of former White House and Administration lawyers and experienced constitutional litigators, all with a deep understanding of how the federal government works. As we were the ones tasked with implementing and enforcing the norms that govern our democracy, we know what those guardrails are and when those in power may be tempted to violate them. To assist with our efforts to educate and inform the public, we have brought together experienced communications professionals, as well as a network that spans former officials throughout government and grassroots groups around the country. We are also working with expert scholars on authoritarian regimes.
Beginning this fall, the Protect Democracy Project will host and teach an affiliated clinic at Harvard Law School — the Democracy and the Rule of Law Clinic. Our attorneys will lead the clinic, which will allow students to conduct legal work alongside our team. Our attorneys will also be teaching a course at Harvard Law School called "Legal Tools for Protecting Democracy and the Rule of Law in America." We will benefit from these law students supporting our work, while at the same time helping educate the next generation of leaders on the norms, laws, and institutions that protect our democracy.
What is the Relationship Between the Protect Democracy Project and United to Protect Democracy and how can I support them?
The Protect Democracy Project is a sister organization of United to Protect Democracy. You can help protect our democracy by supporting either the Protect Democracy Project or United to Protect Democracy.
United to Protect Democracy: United to Protect Democracy is a 501(c)(4) tax-exempt organization focusing on advocacy efforts to confront threats to our democracy. While not tax deductible, gifts to United to Protect Democracy allow us the greatest flexibility in our work as in addition to funding litigation, public communications and organizing efforts, these gifts also enable us to advocate and lobby in legislatures at the federal and local level to strengthen and defend our democracy.
Learn More about United to Protect Democracy
Protect Democracy Project: The Protect Democracy Project focuses on research and public education to confront threats to our democracy, as well as litigation. If you prefer to make a tax-deductible gift, we encourage you to support The Protect Democracy Project. The Protect Democracy Project is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Gifts to The Protect Democracy Project are fully tax-deductible. No goods or services are provided in exchange for gifts.
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