Checks and Balances Now is a legal and civic education initiative created by a group of lawyers who closely followed the work of the American Bar Association’s Task Force for American Democracy. Inspired by the Task Force’s urgent call to action, we launched this platform to strengthen public understanding of the rule of law and democracy—starting within the legal community and extending to the general public.

As we approached a critical election year, one thing became clear: far too many Americans lack a basic understanding of how our democracy works. Civics education has eroded, and public trust in our democratic institutions is wavering. But lawyers—who swear an oath to uphold the Constitution—are uniquely positioned to lead.

This platform exists to equip legal professionals with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to serve as first responders for democracy. Through resources, events, and partnerships, we aim to foster a renewed commitment to democratic principles and help bridge the civics gap.

Together, we can ensure that democracy is not only defended in courtrooms—but also understood and upheld in communities across the country.