Imagine working at a place as sacred as Arlington National Cemetery, where honoring those who served our country is a daily duty. An Arlington Cemetery employee recently tried to uphold the rules prohibiting political activities on these hallowed grounds. However, during a visit, she was “pushed aside” by aides to former President Donald Trump. This visit was meant to commemorate the service members lost in Afghanistan, yet it became a point of controversy as the rules were ignored. Despite the altercation, the employee decided not to press charges, fearing further retribution.

This incident is a chilling reminder that when norms and laws are broken, the dignity of sacred spaces is compromised, and those who stand up for what’s right are left vulnerable.

In our everyday lives, we might not think much about the rules that keep our democracy running smoothly. These rules, or “norms,” are like the invisible threads that hold our country together. When these threads are strong, our democracy is strong. But when they fray, the whole system can start to unravel.

Fighting for our Norms: Protecting Elections

Elections are one of the most important ways we keep our democracy healthy. When we vote, we’re not just choosing leaders but also ensuring our system works for everyone. But when people question whether votes are counted correctly, it can shake our trust in the whole process.

Why It Matters: When we lose faith in elections, we lose faith in the rules of a game. If people don’t believe the game is fair, they stop playing by the rules, and chaos can follow.

In Real Time: Poll workers are the unsung heroes of our democracy. In Michigan, these dedicated individuals play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of our elections. They set up and manage polling sites, check in voters, issue ballots, and ensure the entire process runs smoothly. One poll worker said, “We are the guardians of the democratic process, providing a critical layer of transparency and trust.” Their work is indispensable, especially when the electoral process is scrutinized.

How You Can Take Action: Subscribe to Democracy Docket (a pro-democracy, Democrat-leaning organization focused on voting rights litigation), the League of Women Voters (pro-democracy, non-partisan) grassroots organization encouraging informed and active participation in government, the League focuses on voter education, registration, and protection, and Democracy Works (pro-democracy, non-partisan) to make voting more accessible for all Americans through tools like TurboVote, which helps people register to vote and stay informed about elections. These groups work to ensure fair elections and protect voting rights. Volunteering as a poll worker is another hands-on way to support electoral integrity.

Fighting for our Norms: Keeping Courts Fair

Our courts are supposed to be fair and impartial. Judges make decisions based on the law, not on who is in power or what’s popular. This independence makes the judiciary a critical safeguard for our rights and freedoms.

Why It Matters: If the courts start to favor one side over another, they become tools of power rather than protectors of justice. Keeping them independent ensures that everyone, no matter who they are, gets a fair shake.

In Real Time: Sally Yates, a former Deputy Attorney General, demonstrated the importance of judicial independence when she refused to defend an executive order that barred citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States for 90 days, suspended the admission of all refugees for 120 days and indefinitely suspends the Syrian refugee program. She believed the order was unconstitutional. Her actions were rooted in her commitment to the rule of law and the idea that the judiciary must uphold the Constitution above political pressures. Yates’s stand is a powerful example of how individuals within the system can protect the integrity of our courts.

How You Can Take Action: Support groups like the American Constitution Society (a pro-democracy, Democrat-leaning organization) or The Brennan Center for Justice (a non-partisan organization). These groups advocate for a fair and impartial judiciary. Stay informed about judicial appointments and vote in local elections that impact the court system.

Fighting for our Norms: Talking to Each Other

Politics can get heated, but it’s important to remember that we’re all in this together. When we lose respect for those we disagree with, working together to solve problems becomes harder.

Why It Matters: Healthy debate is a sign of a healthy democracy. When we can’t talk to each other without shouting, we miss out on finding common ground and meaningful solutions.

In Real Time: Olivia Julianna is a prime example of how one person can use interpersonal communication to influence many. A young political content creator, Olivia uses her platforms to engage with her audience on critical issues like electoral politics and abortion access. Her authentic and direct communication style has earned her a massive following and a spot speaking at the Democratic National Convention (DNC). Olivia’s journey from a working-class background to the DNC stage shows the power of connecting with others personally, inspiring them to get involved in the political process.

How You Can Take Action: Join or support organizations like Braver Angels (non-partisan) or Living Room Conversations (non-partisan). These groups aim to unite people across political divides for respectful and constructive discussions.

Fighting for our Norms: Holding Leaders Accountable

No one, not even the President, is above the law. Our government has checks and balances to ensure power isn’t abused. When these checks are ignored, it’s like letting someone break the rules without consequences.

Why It Matters: Accountability keeps our leaders honest and our government transparent. When leaders know they’ll be held accountable, they’re more likely to act in the public’s best interest.

In Real Time: Senator Sheldon Whitehouse has been a leading voice in holding the judiciary accountable, especially the Supreme Court. In his recent article published in the Ohio State Law Journal, Whitehouse exposed how the Roberts Court has engaged in judicial activism by making up false facts to support partisan interests. His efforts highlight the need for transparency and honesty in our courts. By supporting Senator Whitehouse, you are supporting efforts to ensure that the judiciary remains fair, impartial, and accountable to the people.

How You Can Take Action: Support groups like Common Cause (non-partisan) or Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) (a pro-democracy, Democrat-leaning organization). These groups focus on government accountability and ethical conduct. Signing petitions and contacting your representatives about oversight issues are effective ways to make your voice heard.

Fighting for our Norms: Making Government Transparent

A transparent government lets the public see what’s going on. This openness is crucial for building trust and ensuring that leaders work for the people, not themselves.

Why It Matters: When government actions are hidden, corruption can easily take root. Transparency helps expose wrongdoing and prevent it from happening in the first place.

In Legislative Time: The Digital Accountability and Transparency (DATA) Act, passed in 2014, is hailed as one of the most significant advancements in government transparency. The Act standardized data for over $6 trillion in annual spending across over 100 federal agencies, allowing taxpayers to monitor how federal funds are allocated and spent in their communities via USAspending.gov. The bipartisan effort behind the DATA Act, led by Senators Mark Warner and Rob Portman, as well as Representatives Darrell Issa and Elijah Cummings, provides a roadmap for future transparency efforts. This landmark legislation continues to shape how government transparency is achieved in the U.S. Learn more about the DATA Act.

How You Can Take Action: Support initiatives like the Project for Government Oversight (nonpartisan) or The Government Accountability Project (GAP) (nonpartisan) to protect whistleblowers and ensure they can safely report government misconduct without fear of retaliation. Their work promotes transparency and government accountability. Participate in public meetings or town halls to stay informed and hold your local government accountable.

Fighting for our Norms: Respecting the Rules

Finally, there are unwritten rules about how leaders should behave. These norms might not be laws, but they are just as important. Leaders who respect these norms set an excellent example for everyone else.

Why It Matters: Respect for these unwritten rules keeps our system functioning smoothly. When leaders ignore them, it can lead to confusion and mistrust.

In Real Time: The Arlington National Cemetery incident perfectly illustrates the dangers of disregarding norms and laws. During a visit to honor service members lost in Afghanistan, former President Trump’s aides blatantly ignored the rules designed to protect the sanctity of this national site. The cemetery employee who tried to uphold these rules was pushed aside, fearing retribution if she pressed charges. This incident reflects a broader pattern of behavior where Trump and his team disregarded the norms that uphold the integrity of our democracy. Such actions set a dangerous precedent, signaling to others that rules don’t matter and eroding trust in the system.

How You Can Take Action: Encourage ethical leadership by supporting organizations like The Ethics & Compliance Initiative (ECI) (non-partisan) or Public Citizen (non-partisan), which promote ethical conduct in government and business. You can also advocate for stronger ethics laws and regulations in your community.

It’s Our Responsibility to Stand Up for What’s Right

Our democracy is held together by the norms and laws that guide us. They might be invisible, but their strength lies in our collective respect and adherence to them. When these threads begin to fray, it’s up to all of us to step in and ensure they hold strong. Whether it’s by protecting the integrity of our elections, ensuring our courts remain fair and impartial, fostering respectful dialogue, holding our leaders accountable, or advocating for transparency and ethical behavior—every action counts.

We can’t afford to take these norms for granted. We each have a role in upholding the principles that make our democracy resilient. By taking action, supporting organizations that champion these causes, and leading by example in our communities, we contribute to the ongoing strength and stability of our democratic system. Let’s stand up for what’s right together.