American democracy is under enormous pressure. The unwritten norms central to our constitutional order have come under threat. Polarization and brinkmanship have worsened exponentially since President Trump’s inauguration. Public officials have flouted ethics rules, politicized and even hidden government data and science, and attempted to interfere with law enforcement investigations for personal or partisan gain. Systemic faults in American governance have been exposed.

In response, concrete solutions are needed to restore trust in government, balance among the separate branches of government, and accountability to the people who public officials serve.