Prof. Victor Menaldo writes in the The Seattle Times opinion section our checks and balances for government are still working.
As the presidential election fast approaches, parts of the American public are again gripped by anxiety. Fear that a reelected Donald Trump will dismantle democracy and usher in authoritarianism is pervasive, and his recent statements haven’t helped. The former president has reasserted his view that executive power is unlimited, dodged questions about respecting unfavorable election results and claimed, without evidence, that the 2020 election was stolen. He has even suggested that the military should quell civil unrest or stifle peaceful protests and help persecute his political enemies.
However, the idea that the United States is on the brink of dictatorship every time Trump’s poll numbers rise is overblown — and counterproductive. Those fearing an impending dictatorship underestimate the robustness of our institutions and overstate the power of any individual to dismantle them. And while democratic backsliding does happen, the odds of this robust democracy being hijacked by a would-be tyrant after a contested election where the opposition party retains near-equal support are exceedingly rare.
Instead of succumbing to alarmism, citizens should embrace efforts to strengthen democratic institutions. Enhancing civic education, promoting ethical guidelines for government officials and fostering engagement across political divides can help rebuild norms of mutual tolerance, forbearance and pluralism. Citizens proudly casting their votes in the election is a simple start.
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