Constitutional Defense

Executive Overreach

Unchecked power is dangerous. The Founders understood this. That’s why they created three branches of government and a system of checks and balances. Learn about our work to ensure that no president, regardless of party, undermines Congress, defies the courts, and consolidates power to avoid accountability.

Featured Work

Press releases

New poll finds voters concerned about presidential power and strongly support constitutional checks and balances

American voters are increasingly concerned about too much power being concentrated in the presidency, according to new polling released today by Issue One and YouGov in observation of Constitution Day,…

Reports

Unchecked Exec

President Trump's first 100 days have been focused on consolidating power and sidestepping anti-corruption safeguards....

Introduction The Founding Fathers rejected being ruled by a king. That’s why they crafted a system of government with three co-equal branches. At its core lies the separation of powers:…

project

Check The Exec

President Trump's first 100 days have been focused on consolidating power and sidestepping anti-corruption safeguards....

Our Founders didn’t want kings.

Press releases

On Independence Day, veterans warn Congress to protect the Constitution from executive overreach and military politicization

Nearly 200 veterans call for urgent action to defend civilian oversight, reverse VA cuts, and safeguard military voting rights...

As Americans prepare to celebrate Independence Day, close to 200 veterans from across the country and every branch of service are delivering a critical message to Congress: Serve as a…

Featured Press

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The Fulcrum: The Presidency Is Too Powerful. Congress Needs To Step Up.

Op-ed by Issue One CEO Nick Penniman...

The Contrarian: Americans know something is wrong: Nick Penniman on the need for change

Issue One CEO Nick Penniman interviewed...

Issue One applauds Sen. Collins for speaking out against executive overreach, encourages Congress to reclaim constitutional authority

New Issue One report chronicles pattern of executive overreach and corruption during Trump’s first 100 days

The Latest on Executive Overreach

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Nov 21, 2025

Press releases

Issue One and Principles First host Salt Lake City event on constitutional freedoms and executive overreach with former Republican presidential candidate John Kasich

This week, Issue One and Principles First convened an in-person discussion in Salt Lake City, Utah on constitutional freedoms, religious liberty, and executive overreach. The event was in support of…

Nov 20, 2025

In the media

Deseret News: Former presidential candidate John Kasich calls for a moral reckoning

Issue One Check the Exec event cited...

Nov 17, 2025

Press releases

Bipartisan former members of Congress join Issue One to urge the Supreme Court to reaffirm congressional authority and limit presidential power

A bipartisan group of six former members of Congress joined Issue One in filing an amicus brief with the Supreme Court in Trump v. Slaughter, a critical test of executive…

Nov 03, 2025

Op-eds

The Fulcrum: The Quickest Way to Democratic Demise: A Permanent Emergency

Op-ed by Issue One's Alix Fraser and Liana Keesing...

Oct 22, 2025

Press releases

Trump’s demand that the Justice Department pay him more than $200 million “is a clear attempt to take money from American taxpayers”

In response to the news that President Donald Trump is demanding more than $200 million in compensation from the U.S. Department of Justice for the federal investigations into him, Issue…