Presidents, Populism, and the Crisis of Democracy

The US faces a historic crisis that threatens its system of self-government. Donald Trump is a symptom of deeper social forces like globalization, automation, and immigration. The solution lies in having a government that can deal with them, but also institutional reforms to enhance its capacity for effective action. The path to progress is filled with political obstacles, including an increasingly populist, anti-government Republican Party.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 29 September 2020
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

The United States is currently facing a historic crisis that poses a significant threat to its democratic system. This crisis is the result of a combination of factors, including the presidency of Donald Trump, who has used his office to attack the nation's institutions and violate democratic norms. While Trump is a visible symptom of deeper causes, such as social forces like globalization, automation, and immigration that have generated economic harms and cultural anxieties, he is not the sole cause of the crisis.

For decades, the government has been ineffective in addressing these issues, leading to growing anger and disaffectation among millions of Americans. Populist appeals have found a receptive audience, and this has given rise to dangerous populists who are willing to weaponize these issues for their own gain.

To safeguard American democracy, it is essential to address the disruptive forces of modernity. This requires aggressive new policies, but also institutional reforms that enhance the government's capacity for effective action. The solution lies in having a government that can deal with the challenges of the modern world, while also protecting against the fear that it may be put to anti-democratic ends.

One of the key challenges facing American democracy is the increasing populism and anti-government sentiment within the Republican Party. This sentiment has been fueled by a range of factors, including economic insecurity, cultural anxiety, and a sense of betrayal by the establishment. The Republican Party has been slow to respond to these concerns, and this has allowed populist leaders like Trump to gain traction and influence.

To address this challenge, it is essential to reform the presidency itself. The presidency is one of the most powerful institutions in the world, and it is essential that it is used for the benefit of the people. However, there is a risk that the presidency may be put to anti-democratic ends if it is not properly constrained and regulated.

One potential reform is to strengthen the role of the Congress in the legislative process. The Congress is responsible for passing laws and regulations, and it is essential that it has the power to hold the president accountable. This can be achieved through measures such as increasing the number of congressional oversight committees, granting the Congress more power to subpoena witnesses, and establishing a mechanism for impeachment.

Another potential reform is to establish a system of checks and balances within the executive branch

branch. This can be achieved through measures such as creating a independent judiciary, establishing a system of executive privilege, and establishing a system of legislative privilege. These measures can help to ensure that the president is held accountable to the people and that the government is not dominated by any one branch.

In addition to these institutional reforms, it is also essential to address the underlying causes branch of the crisis. This requires a commitment to addressing the economic harms

inequality and social injustice that have contributed to the rise

to the rise of populism and anti-government sentiment. This can be achieved through measures such as increasing the minimum wage, implementing universal healthcare, and investing in education and job training programs. These measures can help to create a more equitable society and reduce the economic insecurity and cultural anxiety that have fueled populism and anti-government sentiment.

Finally, it is essential to promote civic engagement and political participation. This can be achieved through measures such as promoting civic education in schools, increasing voter registration and turnout, and promoting public discourse and debate. These measures can help to create a more informed and engaged citizenry and promote the values of democracy and social justice.

In conclusion, the United States is currently facing a historic crisis that poses a significant threat to its democratic system. This crisis is the result of a combination of factors, including the presidency of Donald Trump, who has used his office. The government has been ineffective in addressing the economic harms. The solution lies in having a government that can deal with the challenges of the modern world, while also protecting against the fear that it may be put to anti-democratic ends. To address this challenge, it is essential to reform the presidency itself, strengthen the role of the Congress in the legislative process, establish a system of checks and balances within the executive branch, address the underlying economic inequality and social injustice that have contributed to the rise of populism and anti-government sentiment, and promote civic engagement and political participation. These measures can help to create a more equitable society and reduce the economic insecurity and cultural anxiety that have fueled populism and anti-government sentiment.

Weight: 380g
Dimension: 154 x 229 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226763170