Constitutional Accountability Center


The Constitutional Accountability Center is a non-profit think tank located in Washington, D.C., that seeks to advance a progressive interpretation of the Constitution of the United States. The group has filed numerous lawsuits against President Donald Trump.

History

CAC was launched on June 3, 2008. Its predecessor organization was the Community Rights Counsel. Both organizations were founded and led by Douglas Kendall. Advisors to CAC have included Akhil Amar, Jack Balkin, and Walter E. Dellinger III.

Philosophy and methodology

CAC is a proponent of "New Textualism", a school of thought focused on the text, structure, and enactment history of the language of the Constitution. The organization makes legal arguments based in constitutional text and history, with particular emphasis on the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments. CAC founder and president Douglas Kendall has stated his belief that a renewed focus on the Civil War Amendments can help to reveal the Constitution as a progressive document. A CAC publication about New Textualism states that "the Constitution provides concrete and progressive answers to many important questions."
CAC heads "Constitutional Progressives," a coalition anchored by the Center for American Progress and People for the American Way.

Litigation

U.S. Supreme Court cases in which CAC has filed amici curiae briefs include:
CAC's Issue Briefs Series provides commentary and analysis on current constitutional and political issues, including, voting rights, campaign finance, citizenship, corporate rights, and federal power. CAC has also published Issue Briefs and released several reports on the success of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and business interests before the Supreme Court under Chief Justice John Roberts.