For centuries, the United States was seen as a global leader on the rule of law.  

The pioneering U.S. Constitution was the first to enshrine key checks and balances that prevent abuses of government power. Its Bill of Rights guaranteed fundamental freedoms for the people themselves.  

Over the years, the United States expanded the reach of its founding rule of law principles to protect more people at home and to influence many countries abroad. 

But today, the World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index shows that the rule of law is declining globally. 

How is U.S. rule of law doing? Take the quiz and find out! 

 

Explore the 2023 WJP Rule of Law Index. 

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The US ranks 26 out of 142 countries and jurisdictions in the 2023 WJP Rule of Law Index
Press release

In the US, Weakened Rule of Law Persists

The rule of law has once again eroded in a majority of countries this year, including the United States, according to the World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index 2023. In 2022, following four consecutive years of declining rule of law, the United States was among the top improvers. Last year’s gains were not enough to overcome the long-term decline since 2016, however, and this year U.S. rule of law took a downturn again.

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