What is the 3.5% rule?

Throughout the lead-up to No Kings Day, you’ve heard reference to 3.5% rule -- the observation by social scientists that few authoritarian governments have withstood 3.5% of their population mobilizing against them.  The 3.5% is a historically important target -- but not a magic number. 

Erica Chenoweth -- the scholar who developed the rule -- agrees, and in fact has written: “Other factors -- momentum, organization, strategic leadership, and sustainability -- are likely as important as large-scale participation.”

Pod Save America interviewed Professor Chenoweth about her findings on their June 15, 2025 podcast.  This in-depth interview starts at minute 4:50.