A Civics Lesson (of sorts): The Overton Window, the “No Kings” Protests & What’s at Stake for 2026-2028
The Overton Window refers to the range of public policy ideas considered acceptable by the mainstream at a given time. Ideas outside that window are viewed as radical, extreme, or unacceptable. Over time, politicians, activists, media, and interest groups work to shift that window left, right, up, or down, so that what once seemed radical becomes mainstream, and what once was mainstream may move toward the fringes.
In the criminal-justice context (and more broadly in governance), shifting this window matters. If the window moves toward greater federal centralization and executive power, policies that expand federal government oversight and reduce local autonomy may become “reasonable” rather than exceptional. Conversely, if the window shifts toward decentralization and local control, then proposals to limit federal power or strengthen local accountability may become more viable.
When we frame what the Overton Window looks like now, especially following the “No Kings” protests, what we see is a battleground over authority, checks and balances, and what kind of governance Americans want.
In public policy and politics, the concept of the Overton Window reminds us that what is deemed “respectable” or “mainstream” thought changes over time. As we head into the midterm election of 2026 and the general election of 2028, the tug-of-war over where that window sits is intensifying, especially as concerns about executive power, accountability, oversight, and local vs. federal governance come to the fore.
The nationwide “No Kings” protests of October 18, 2025, crystallize many of these tensions.
Are we moving toward a system where the federal executive dominates without meaningful checks? Or, will resistance to that trend push us toward local governance, decentralization, and stronger oversight?
The answers may shape the next two election cycles.
The “No Kings” Protests: A Turning Point
On October 18, 2025, the No Kings movement mobilized a large number of Americans across the country in a day of coordinated protests opposing what participants described as authoritarian tendencies in the federal executive branch under Donald J. Trump.
Here are some key facts:
- Organizers reported over 7 million participants nationwide at the October event. (The Verge)
- These demonstrators turned out in more than 2,700 separate events (across all 50 U.S. states, including Washington, D.C., U.S. territories, and international solidarity events) on that single day. (WIRED)
- In major cities, turnout was significant: for example, one estimate placed the Chicago turnout at around 250,000 people. (The Verge)
- In smaller towns as well, the movement was visible. For example, in Manistee, Michigan, about 925 people attended. (Manistee News Advocate)
- The protest coalition explicitly cast itself as resisting executive overreach, centralization of power, and the erosion of institutional checks and balances, framing the day as “No Thrones. No Crowns. No Kings.” (No Kings)
- The mood across many gatherings combined protest and festive/civic-expression tone: in some cities, crowds dressed in costumes, wielded signs, turned public squares into mass expressions of dissent. (The Washington Post)
- The scale and visibility of the October 18 protests marked them as one of the largest single-day mobilizations in U.S. history. (The Independent)
In the context of the Overton Window, the "No Kings Day" did more than protest one figure. It challenged the idea of an unrestrained executive and a diminished role of local/community-based governance. By doing so, it inserted questions of authority, oversight, local vs federal power, and checks and balances into mainstream political discourse.
How the Overton Window Could Shift Into 2026 & 2028
Here’s how that window might move in the coming election cycles, and what the "No Kings" protests signal for each scenario.
Scenario A: Normalizing strong federal/Executive power
If the Overton Window moves toward broader acceptance of a concentrated federal executive, then:
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In the 2026 midterms, we might see candidates campaigning on “nationalizing” more law enforcement and criminal-justice policy, arguing local governments are incapable of dealing with crime, immigration, or policy threats.
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By 2028, a presidential platform might propose expanding executive emergency powers, streamlining federal oversight, and reducing the role of local or state governments. The governance model becomes more top-down.
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The No Kings message (of resisting centralized power) could become marginalized or branded as radical. Radical is what our nation's leaders have already labeled it. Local-governance or decentralization arguments may retreat from the mainstream.
Scenario B: A pivot to localism, decentralization, and accountability
If the Overton Window shifts in the other direction toward local control and structural reform, then:
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2026 may see candidates emphasizing community oversight boards for policing, returning more power to municipalities or states, and resisting national mandates in favor of local solutions.
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By 2028, structural reform could appear in platforms: e.g., limiting the scope of the federal executive, reviving regional governance, reinforcing checks and balances, and promoting the idea that “the people” govern at the local level.
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In that case, the "No Kings" protests may be seen as prophetic, a sentinel moment where the public signaled resistance to executive accumulation of power.
Scenario C: A fractured/competing window
A more probable outcome might be a split Overton Window, with different segments of the electorate, states, and parties moving in different directions. We are seeing this a little already, as states reject ICE taking over crime efforts and the National Guard deployment for situations that the local government in those states feels should be left up to them (Hint: It should be left up to them, according to law).
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In some states or districts, federal consolidation becomes the mainstream message. In others, localism becomes the key.
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The 2026 midterms could show this divergence clearly: some candidates pushing strong national narratives (immigration, federal law enforcement, national security) while others focus on grassroots/local reforms (community policing, local oversight, state sovereignty).
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The 2028 election may hinge on which narrative gains broader traction: strong centralized power versus empowered local governance and accountability. The "No Kings" protests became a reference point in that debate.
Why This Matters for Criminal Justice & Governance
The Overton Window shift is critical for criminal justice because many of the issues at stake (policing, prosecution, detention, civil liberties) are directly about the locus of power and oversight.
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If federal power is normalized, we’ll likely see more national-level mandates, task forces operating across jurisdictions, fewer local variations, and possibly less direct community accountability (local voices weighed less heavily).
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If local control is embraced, we may see more community-based oversight of policing, variations in justice policy across states/municipalities, stronger links between community and governance, and more accountability.
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The "No Kings" movement frames the risk of when the executive becomes dominant, checks and balances can be rendered ineffective, local governance marginalized, and oversight weakened, all of which impact how justice is administered and who holds power. Our forefathers warned against this very situation.
The shift in discourse matters because, as the Overton Window changes. What once was considered extreme or fringe (e.g., “the president is acting like a king”) becomes mainstream.
The fact that millions turned out on October 18 signals that the discourse around executive power and democratic structure is no longer niche.
What to Watch in 2026 & 2028
Here are concrete indicators to monitor as we head into the next election cycles:
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Campaign messaging: Are candidates for 2026 emphasizing local/community control, or national/centralized authority? What language do they use about “checks and balances,” “executive power,” or “local oversight”?
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Grassroots momentum: Does the No Kings theme persist, expand, or fade? Are local follow-up organizations mobilizing? Do protester concerns translate into political organizing (voter drives, down-ballot races, local reforms)?
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Media discourse: Are discussions of “king-like executive behavior,” or “eroded checks and balances” entering mainstream media and campaign debate? Or are these framed as fringe ideas?
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Institutional reform proposals: Are any candidates putting forward structural reforms (limiting presidential emergency powers, enhancing congressional oversight, boosting local governance)? Or are platforms mainly about expanding federal power?
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Party dynamics: Within major parties, is there a tug between forces who want to expand the executive vs those who want to decentralize power and restore local accountability?
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Voter turnout/behavior: Are local-governance or decentralization issues motivating voters? Are turnout variations correlating with districts where local vs federal governance is part of the campaign narrative?
Final Thoughts and What We Can Do as Citizens
The Overton Window moves only when people push it. It’s shaped by our choices, our conversations, and our willingness to show up. The “No Kings” protests were not just about a president. They were about a principle: that democracy cannot survive if power remains concentrated in one person or one institution. It must live and breathe through us, through participation, empathy, and local action.
People don't protest because a country feels safe. We protest because we do not feel safe and know what history tells us about when we don't protest for the rights of this country.
As we move toward the 2026 midterms and 2028 general election, we face a choice between two versions of America: one that centralizes power and silences dissent, or one that reclaims the founding promise of self-government and shared accountability.
What We Can Do to Strengthen Local Control
1. Show Up Locally. Attend city council and school board meetings, even virtually. Learn the names of your representatives and how to contact them.
2. Vote Beyond the Headlines. Local races often decide how justice, education, and healthcare work where you live. Don’t skip them.
3. Organize for Solutions. Transform outrage into structure: create coalitions, neighborhood forums, or youth civics circles that keep local leaders accountable.
4. Support Local Journalism. Democracy depends on watchdogs. Subscribe, share, and fund your community’s reporters.
5. Teach Civic Literacy. Start conversations about government with your children, students, or peers. The more people understand the system, the harder it is to abuse.
6. Practice Bridge-Building. Listen to those you disagree with. The antidote to authoritarianism isn’t more hostility. It’s a deeper connection and curiosity.
CALL TO ACTION: “No Kings, Just Us”
“Democracy is not a spectator sport.”
Starting this week, pick one local action you can take to reclaim civic voice.
- Attend one public meeting in person or online.
- Write a letter to your city or county representative about a local issue you care about.
- Start a “Civics & Coffee” circle, a once-a-month meetup where neighbors learn how local systems work.
- Share a positive story of local problem-solving on social media using the tag #NoKingsJustUs
Each act of engagement, no matter how small, widens the window for accountability, compassion, and shared power.
SEL (Social and Emotional Learning) & Mindfulness Activity: “Coloring Democracy”
To help process the emotional fatigue and polarization of modern politics through creativity, reflection, and grounding, try an activity like this one below that brings you joy and a chance to reflect on what you CAN do for democracy:
Materials:
- A blank sheet of paper or a journal page
- Watercolors, colored pencils, or markers
- Quiet music (instrumental or calming playlist)
Steps:
1. Reflect: Write a few words about how current politics make you feel, not what you think, but what you feel. (Anxious? Angry? Hopeful? Confused?)
2. Assign Colors: Choose one color for each feeling. For example:
- Red for frustration or urgency
- Blue for calm or hope
- Yellow for optimism
- Gray for confusion or fatigue
3. Create: Paint or color an abstract image, blending these emotions together. Let the colors overlap, representing the mix of feelings we carry in uncertain times.
4. Write: Beneath the art, write this affirmation:
“I cannot control the storm, but I can help steer the ship.”
5. Act: End by writing one small action you can take locally this month, something that restores your sense of agency and calm.
This mindfulness-meets-civics exercise helps bridge emotion and action, turning worry into purpose and fear into creative movement.
Post a photo of your creation here or on your favorite social media platform to inspire others!!! #KaraokeAndButterflies
In Closing...
The Overton Window is shifting, but its direction depends on us. The “No Kings” movement reminded America that freedom isn’t maintained by silence or cynicism; it’s nurtured by engagement, empathy, and courage.
We can’t control every law or election outcome, but we can control how we show up for our communities, how we treat one another, and how we participate in the story of democracy itself.
Democracy doesn’t need kings. It needs caretakers.
That is the true legacy of “No Kings.”
XOXO,
Whimsy Jenny
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