Since Donald Trump took office in January 2025, there has been a lot of discussion about a “constitutional crisis” and whether we are actually in one. The conversations have been widespread too. In fact, in mid-February, Google searches for the term “constitutional crisis” hit the highest levels since records began in 2004.
The term “constitutional crisis” is not new nor exclusive to this period in time. It has been bandied about regarding everything from Bill Clinton’s impeachment to the drawn-out vote count in Bush vs. Gore to Biden’s student loan forgiveness program. However, for many, this administration’s actions are more overt. They aren’t just testing constitutional norms; they are blatantly smashing them.
One organization sounding the alarm about the current state of our democracy is the League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan, grassroots nonprofit dedicated to empowering everyone to participate fully in our democracy. The League defines a constitutional crisis as:
When the executive, the legislative, or judiciary branches cannot or will not adequately protect the US Constitution, when there are explicit attempts to dismantle a functional democracy within any of the three branches, or when any level of federal government takes action to destroy democratic institutions in a manner that intentionally or purposefully jeopardizes the US Constitution. When these events occur, the constitution is deemed at the highest serious risk and warrants full-scale action to preserve and protect democratic institutions and civil society.
Pointing out the increased attacks on democratic systems and a failure by Congress to intervene since Trump took office in January 2025, League CEO Celina Stewart and President Dianna Wynn released a statement on April 17 saying, “It has now been 87 days since the start of the Trump administration. From the flagrant disregard for congressional authority and governmental checks and balances to defying Supreme Court orders to bring Kilmar Abrego Garcia back home, one thing is abundantly clear: our country is in a constitutional crisis. We, the people, must fight back. That is why the League of Women Voters is launching a powerful new initiative, Unite and Rise 8.5.”
Given the current state of affairs, the League feels it is imperative that Americans—no matter their political party—make their voices heard. Why 8.5? Harvard political scientist Erica Chenoweth says that historically, nonviolent protest of at least 3.5% of a population can successfully pressure a government to accommodate the movement, leading to policy change. America has roughly 245 million eligible voters; 3.5% is roughly 8.5 million of them.
Launched in May 2025, Unite & Rise 8.5 is a nonpartisan, nonviolent initiative aimed at engaging and mobilizing 8.5 million voters to build a movement of individuals united against the anti-democratic actions of the current administration. The initiative will advocate for democracy on multiple fronts and showcase various ways voters can drive change, including through advocacy, mobilization, civic education, and engagement. As of May 1, Unite & Rise has initiated 90 days of actions that we can all take, with further specific actions to be rolled out in the coming days and weeks. This initiative, part of LWV’s Women Defend Democracy campaign, will continue until the 2026 midterm elections.
There will be numerous opportunities to participate in the Unite and Rise 8.5 — from participating in local education initiatives to calling your congressperson to protesting. To learn more about the League and Unite and Rise 8.5, go to https://www.lwv.org/uniteandrise.