WJP Calls on U.S. Congress to Uphold the Rule of Law

The United States—and specifically the U.S. Congress—confronts a critical test of its rule of law. In a democracy, the rule of law includes free and fair elections and their corollary, the orderly and peaceful determination and implementation of the results in accordance with the law. 

The World Justice Project Rule of Law Index measures the rule of law in 128 countries on an annual basis, drawing on citizen and expert surveys to evaluate factors such as guarantees against corruption, order and security, respect for fundamental rights, and constraints on government powers, including the lawful transfer of power. Over the past four years, the U.S. score has been in steady decline, falling 12% in respect of "constraints on government powers," the foundational principle that no one is above the law. 

This principle will be tested again as Congress meets on January 6 to count the Electoral College votes for the 2020 presidential election. The World Justice Project urges members of Congress to uphold the rule of law and the constitution and to respect the electoral process and its results, as certified by all 50 states. U.S. democracy and its role as a beacon for the rule of law are at stake.