American Constitution Society

American Constitution Society
Formation2001; 23 years ago (2001) [1]
Founded atGeorgetown University
TypeLegal
Legal status501(c)(3) nonprofit
PurposePolitical advocacy
Location
Coordinates38°54′00″N 77°01′52″W / 38.900°N 77.031°W / 38.900; -77.031
President
Russ Feingold[2] (until April 2025)
Websiteacslaw.org

The American Constitution Society (ACS) is a progressive legal organization. ACS was created as a counterweight to, and is modeled after, the Federalist Society, and is often described as its progressive counterpart.[3][4][5][6][7]

ACS hosts conferences, sponsors chapters of law students and practicing attorneys, engages in education projects, and advocates for progressive judicial nominations.[8]

Founded in 2001 following the U.S. Supreme Court decision Bush v. Gore, ACS is headquartered in Washington, D.C.[1] Former Democratic U.S. Senator Russ Feingold has served as the organization's president since 2020. Feingold announced he would step down as president effective April 1, 2025.[9]

The group's stated mission is "to support and advocate for laws and legal systems that redress the founding failures of our Constitution, strengthen our democratic legitimacy, uphold the rule of law, and realize the promise of equality for all, including people of color, women, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, and other historically excluded communities."[10]

  1. ^ a b Savage, Charlie (December 10, 2008). "Liberal Legal Group Is Following New Administration's Path to Power". New York Times. Retrieved January 29, 2015.
  2. ^ Thomsen, Jacqueline (March 22, 2020). "Russ Feingold Takes the Helm at the American Constitution Society". Law.com. The National Law Journal. Retrieved April 8, 2020.
  3. ^ Michael McGough, Supreme Court nomination battle spotlights legal societies and their divergent views: Newer American Constitution Society modeled on more conservative Federalist Society (August 14, 2005), Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
  4. ^ Jonathan H. Adler, FedSoc v. ACS (June 19, 2010). Volokh Conspiracy.
  5. ^ Leslie A. Gordon, Left Turn Permitted (May 1, 2011), ABA Journal.
  6. ^ Stephanie Mencimer, The Tea Party Wants to Teach Your Kids About the Constitution (May 12, 2011). Mother Jones.
  7. ^ Douglas W. Kmiec, Let Dawn Do It (April 13, 2009). Legal Times.
  8. ^ Mandery, Evan (January 23, 2019). "Why There's No Liberal Federalist Society". Politico Magazine. Retrieved June 3, 2024.
  9. ^ Headley, Tiana (May 28, 2024). "Feingold to Step Down as American Constitution Society President". news.bloomberglaw.com. Retrieved June 3, 2024.
  10. ^ "About Us". American Constitution Society. January 12, 2018. Retrieved June 3, 2024.