The U.S. Constitution provides a basic minimum of protection for individual rights, while leaving states free to enact laws that protect those rights more broadly. Unfortunately, our constitutional rights are being undermined by all levels of government. The Goldwater Institute's Scharf-Norton Center for Constitutional Litigation is dedicated to defending individual liberty in court, while our Van Sittert Center for Constitutional Advocacy works to defend our founding principles and instill those values into our next generation of Americans.
Constitutional Rights
Featured Story
Marine Sues Illinois for Second Amendment Rights
Recent Highlights
WATCH: A Crucial Line of Defense Against Government Abuse
Last week, I joined a panel hosted by the Federalist Society’s Regulatory Transparency Project to discuss state constitutions and how they provide robust protection against government overreach. The American framers ...
U.S. Supreme Court Says ‘No’ to the Administrative State
We’ve long warned that one of the greatest threats to American constitutional government is the expansion of the “administrative state”—that is, regulatory agencies that combine the powers of the executive, leg...
Enjoy Life This July 4 – It’s What the Founders Would Have Wanted
Every summer, as Americans look forward to the long Independence Day weekend, there’s always someone who admonishes us not to trivialize the holiday with barbecues, pool parties, or shopping sprees with friends. Instea...
What Can We Learn from Frederick Douglass’ Pictures?
I recently sat down with The Federalist Society to record a podcast about an interesting aspect of Frederick Douglass’ life: his interest in photography. Douglass is believed to have been the most photographed Ame...
More About Our Work to Defend Constitutional Rights
Free Speech on Campus
Violent protests have shut down speakers on campuses across the country, and administrators are refusing to protect speakers’ and students’ First Amendment rights. Our nation’s precious tradition of freedom of speech is increasingly imperiled in universities and in society at large. Read about Goldwater’s plan to restore free speech on campus.
Defending the Second Amendment
Cities and states routinely overstep their authority and trample on our constitutional rights. In Illinois, for example, the state deprives citizens of their Second Amendment Right to Bear Arms through a constitutionally questionable application process that is indefinitely delaying citizens’ ability to purchase a firearm. The Goldwater Institute’s team of attorneys are suing the state to ensure the Second Amendment is upheld. Read more about the case.
Ensuring Equal Protection for Native American Children
All children deserve the equal protection of the law. But under the federal Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), Native American children are deprived of the legal protections that children of other races enjoy. The Goldwater Institute is challenging this law and fighting to defend the constitutional rights of these children. Read more about it here.
More Issues
Property Rights
Goldwater is protecting a cornerstone of Americans’ liberty: the right to own and use their property as they see fit.
Jobs & Economy
When government stands in the way of people who just want to pursue their career, Goldwater breaks down barriers to work.
Free Speech
Free speech is under attack in America. But Goldwater is leading the fight to protect Americans’ right to speak their minds.
Healthcare
Goldwater is unleashing innovation in healthcare, fighting to protect and expand patient choice, access, and affordability.
Constitutional Rights
Anytime government threatens to trample the U.S. Constitution, Goldwater is ready to go to court to defend our rights.
Limited Government
Goldwater takes down cronyism, sweetheart deals, and government overreach so Americans are treated fairly and equally.
Education
Goldwater is expanding school choice nationwide so families can get their children the education they deserve.
Academic Transparency
Parents have a right to know what's being taught in the classroom, and we're defending that right.
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