Donald Trump, a threat to American democracy? This is the power of the U.S. Constitution.Image: trapezoid
Anne Catherine Hamilton /
The United States is the oldest democracy in the world, so the country also has a very old constitution. It was founded in 1787, and to many Americans it remains the best thing this country has to produce.
To many Americans, the Constitution is sacred; People have great faith in the wisdom and foresight of their fathers. In fact, the U.S. Constitution is an important milestone in the history of democracy.
In 1787, during the turbulent times following the American Revolution, a group of people gathered in Philadelphia to discuss the direction of the country.
This painting depicts the signing of the United States Constitution at Independence Hall in Philadelphia in 1787.Photo credit: IMAGO/StockTrek Images
The first modern democratic Constitution shaped the United States for more than 200 years. According to the Federal Office for Civic Education, 27 constitutional amendments have been added so far and have so far proven stable, but the re-emergence of Donald Trump on the political stage has some experts worried.
US: Trump a threat to democracy? Experts are shocked
Trump has questioned the democratic process and insisted on the baseless contention that the election was stolen. He described Democrats as “the enemy within” and “radical left-wing lunatics.” He is considering using the National Guard to deal with them.
Donald Trump wins the 2024 US election, defeating Democrat Kamala Harris.Image: trapezoid
The charge against Trump is that he is trying to undermine American democracy, for example with the help of the Supreme Court. During his first term, Trump appointed three new Supreme Court justices — a record number. That's how he gained influence.
This summer, the Supreme Court ruled in Trump's favor that the US president has “absolute immunity” from official conduct. The 78-year-old spoke of “the great victory of the constitution and democracy”. Others panicked.
Jonathan Stevenson, an expert at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), warned that with this court decision, Trump is demonstrating his determination to rule as a landlord. He believed that the United States was at risk of slipping into a form of government often called a dictatorship. American democracy has shown increasingly illiberal characteristics.
Critics have warned that Trump as president could attack the U.S. Constitution. For example, in the “2025 Plan” there is talk of abolishing administrative agencies.
As Trump returns to the White House, the question arises: How strong is the U.S. Constitution in meeting modern challenges?
“To me, there are a couple of things that suggest it's still going strong,” political scientist Jack Barlow said when asked by Watson. He teaches and conducts research at Juniata College in Pennsylvania.
He argued that the Constitution had proven to be durable, but that it would change in small steps from time to time. He expressed confidence when asked how immune she was to the incoming Trump administration.
U.S. experts are optimistic: The U.S. Constitution restricts Trump
Barlow said the separation of powers, congressional oversight and judicial oversight will remain in place. “The military command structure has been proven to be constitutional, as have the principles of civilian control,” he said.
Stevenson, a senior fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, is more skeptical. Trump faces few legal, political and legislative obstacles.
“The Constitution is designed to resist change.”
Political scientist Jack Barlow
It’s already clear what Republicans plan to do with the U.S. government’s security apparatus: “Trump plans to dismantle professional, nonpartisan civil service Instead, fill the state apparatus with loyal supporters. “
Donald Trump takes office for the second time as President of the United States.Image: trapezoid
Trump also wants to speed up security checks on political candidates with the help of private security companies. In other words, the FBI's traditional thorough background checks will be eliminated. Stevenson doesn't think this is a good sign:
“Such a radical reversal of the structure of U.S. government could leave justice and counterterrorism agencies—already hampered by some conservatives who refuse to act against right-wing extremist forces—in the hands of party-loyal fanatics.”
Trump and the Republicans can not only hold a majority in the Senate, but apparently also a majority in the House of Representatives. This advantage in Congress gives Trump greater room for maneuver in governing.
Still, political scientist Barlow remains optimistic. He believes that the “federal structure” of the United States prevents the rapid centralization of power. In other words: the president's ability to act alone is limited.
The expert said the party system will oppose any steps the president takes that would affect his power or re-election.
United States: The Constitution has sufficient “defense mechanisms”
“The Constitution is designed to resist change,” Barlow explains. Therefore, it has enough “defense mechanisms” to be immune to “attacks”.
Because: According to him, the U.S. Constitution has proven adaptable. He said about this:
“Our numerous surveillance and spy agencies — most of which are under the president’s control — will continue to exist, although they may target the president’s enemies to a greater extent than before.”
Furthermore, the U.S. Constitution relies on broad public support. Experts stress that this ensures their procedures remain fair.
Expert: Trump’s approval does not mean automatic affirmation of authoritarian regimes
“If people think the constitution leads to unfair outcomes, they will abandon it very quickly,” the political scientist said. In his view, approval of Trump does not mean approval of authoritarian governments.
“Trump or those around him may think that liberal attitudes toward government are compatible with authoritarianism, but I’m not sure people think that,” he said.
Inflation in the United States brought many voters to Trump.Image: trapezoid
According to him, most people dislike Trump and Harris. Inflation plays a big role. Barlow said many Americans hold the Biden-Harris administration responsible. Although the economy, which has been largely affected by the coronavirus pandemic, is recovering quickly under the Biden administration.
“I think if Trump seriously threatens the fabric of the Constitution, people will unite against him,” he explained.
The political scientist would still make one change to the U.S. Constitution: “The President should be elected by the people, not by the Electoral College.”
He said the Electoral College may not be necessary as long as the Senate's opinion favors small states. “Of course, it won't help Harris this time, but it will change the nature of the presidential campaign.”
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