Ethics & Accountability

Public officials should act in all of our interest, not to line their own pockets. Common Cause is fighting to ensure that all of our leaders are held to high ethical standards.

From city councils to the U.S. Congress and the Supreme Court, the people making decisions that affect our lives and our families need to be held to the highest ethical standards. Common Cause works to ensure that those empowered to act on everyone’s behalf disclose their personal finances, uphold the rule of law, and cannot turn their public service into a personal profit scheme.

What We’re Doing


Freedom to Vote Act

Legislation

Freedom to Vote Act

This robust democracy reform package will give everyday people a bigger voice in politics and create a more ethical and accountable government.

Take Action


Tell Congress: No One Is Above the Law

Petition

Tell Congress: No One Is Above the Law

The Supreme Court’s dangerous presidential immunity ruling goes against accountability, the rule of law, and our Constitution.

Congress must pass Rep. Morelle’s constitutional amendment to permanently declare that no American is above the law – not even former presidents – and prohibit presidents from pardoning themselves.
Common Cause
Tell Congress: No One Is Above the Law

Petition

Tell Congress: No One Is Above the Law

The Supreme Court’s dangerous presidential immunity ruling goes against accountability, the rule of law, and our Constitution.

Congress must pass Rep. Morelle’s constitutional amendment to permanently declare that no American is above the law – not even former presidents – and prohibit presidents from pardoning themselves.

Tell Congress: Hold SCOTUS Accountable

Petition

Tell Congress: Hold SCOTUS Accountable

Congress must take bold action now to pass a strong, binding Supreme Court Code of Conduct and overrule the Court’s disastrous ruling on presidential immunity.

These crucial reforms would ensure that nobody – not presidents, nor judges – is above the law.

Your financial support helps us make an impact by holding power accountable and strengthening democracy.

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What is Project 2025?

Article

What is Project 2025?

Understanding this new threat to our rights. Project 2025 is a dangerous policy playbook being pushed by conservative extremists. It could threaten basic freedoms by gutting checks and balances and consolidating power in the office of the president, like other authoritarian governments. 

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Highlights and Accomplishments From 2022

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Highlights and Accomplishments From 2021

Report

Ten Principles for Reforming the Rules of the House of Representatives

The following recommendations to reform the rules of the House of Representatives will do much to restore the capacity, incentives, and capability of representatives to fulfill their roles as legislators.

Press

High Scores for Washington on Common Cause’s 2024 Democracy Scorecard 

Press Release

High Scores for Washington on Common Cause’s 2024 Democracy Scorecard 

Washington — Common Cause, the nonpartisan watchdog, released its 2024 “Democracy Scorecard," recording every member of Congress’ support for voting rights, Supreme Court ethics, and other reforms.  

Low Scores for Iowa on Common Cause’s 2024 Democracy Scorecard 

Press Release

Low Scores for Iowa on Common Cause’s 2024 Democracy Scorecard 

IOWA — Common Cause, the nonpartisan watchdog, released its 2024 “Democracy Scorecard," recording every member of Congress’ support for voting rights, Supreme Court ethics, and other reforms.  

High Scores for Nevada on Common Cause’s 2024 Democracy Scorecard

Press Release

High Scores for Nevada on Common Cause’s 2024 Democracy Scorecard

“Our 2024 Democracy Scorecard shows a surge of support in Congress for reforms that strengthen the right to vote, take back the Supreme Court, and break big money’s grip on our politics."

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