What do you do when democracy feels exhausting? Joyce Vance’s Giving Up Is Unforgivable argues that checking out is exactly what would-be strongmen are counting on—and that staying engaged is a form of power.
Drawing on her Justice Department career, Vance breaks down what’s at stake when leaders push executive authority past constitutional limits and try to weaken courts, lawyers, and due process. She explains why the rule of law still matters even when it’s under stress, and why institutions can bend without breaking—if citizens don’t abandon them.
This isn’t just a warning. It’s a practical playbook for keeping your footing: learn how checks and balances work, resist cynicism, protect voting rights, and find your role in the “citizen cavalry.” The message is simple: hope isn’t passive. It’s something you practice.
