United States Rule of Law
Rule of Law RL.EST
United States's rule of law was 1.31 in 2025, ranked 24th globally. This represents a 1.7% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
United States's rule of law stood at 1.31 in 2025, a decline of +0.02 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 1.31 by 2025. United States ranked 24th globally.
The United States’ Rule of Law score on the World Bank Worldwide Governance Indicators has fallen from an all‑time peak of 1.63 in 2010 to a trough of 1.31 in 2025, placing the country 24th globally with a 2025 value of 1.31 after 26 years of coverage. This decline of 0.32 points over fifteen years reflects a gradual erosion of perceived legal certainty, impartiality and accountability, contrasting with the modestly higher 2025 scores of peers such as Canada (1.37) and Lithuania (1.34) and the slightly lower scores of Belgium and Aruba (both 1.30). The early 2000s, when the United States enjoyed its highest rating, coincided with strong institutional reforms and a robust judicial independence framework, whereas recent political polarization and uneven enforcement of regulations have contributed to the downward trajectory. If legislative reforms strengthen judicial oversight and enhance transparency, the United States could stabilize its score and potentially regain ground relative to comparable advanced economies.
Data & projection
| Year | Rule of Law | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 1.29 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 1.31 | - | - |
| 2025 | 1.31 | −0.02 | #24 |
| 2023 | 1.33 | −0.04 | #24 |
| 2022 | 1.37 | −0.02 | #24 |
| 2021 | 1.39 | +0.05 | #25 |
| 2020 | 1.34 | −0.09 | #24 |
| 2019 | 1.42 | −0.05 | #23 |
| 2018 | 1.48 | −0.13 | #23 |
| 2017 | 1.61 | +0.03 | #17 |
| 2016 | 1.58 | +0.02 | #18 |
| 2015 | 1.56 | −0.04 | #20 |
| 2014 | 1.61 | +0.06 | #21 |
| 2013 | 1.55 | −0.07 | #20 |
| 2012 | 1.62 | +0.03 | #18 |
| 2011 | 1.59 | −0.04 | #19 |
| 2010 | 1.63 | +0.04 | #17 |
Analysis
United States's rule of law was 1.31 in 2025, a decline of −0.02 from 2024. Based on trends, estimated 1.31 by 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
United States's rule of law was 1.31 in 2025. Ranked 24th globally. This represents a 1.7% decrease from the previous year.
United States's rule of law peaked at 1.63 in 2010.
The lowest rule of law in United States was 1.31 in 2025.
United States ranks 24th globally in rule of law as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is RL.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
United States's rule of law is projected to reach 1.31 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The rule of law of United States in 2025 was 1.31. This ranks 24th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_united-states_rule-of-law,
title = {United States Rule of Law},
url = {https://historysaid.com/united-states/rule-of-law/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}