Is American Democracy Falling Short?

American democracy seems less appealing lately, lacking robust leadership. Politicians resemble quarreling primates, not influential leaders. Is a better system available?

Authoritarian regimes may seem appealing with their efficiency and clarity, yet history shows repeated failures. Current examples include Russia, Belarus, North Korea, Syria, Cambodia, Venezuela, and many African nations suffering under corrupt rule. Life in these countries remains challenging.

America’s drift toward authoritarianism doesn’t bode well. Under former President Donald Trump, executive corruption reached unprecedented levels. Even staff manipulating teleprompter content profited from insider knowledge.

If authoritarianism fails, what alternative remains? Rule by the rich prevails, yet remains unpopular. Hereditary aristocracy, monarchy, theocracy, and anarchy lack appeal too. However, democracy itself also appears unsatisfying. Why?

Weakening pillars of democracy contribute to dissatisfaction: the rule of law, educated voters, and a free press.

The Rule of Law

An independent judiciary ensures citizens receive leaders they elect. Recently, partisan pressures threaten judicial independence, damaging both parties. A nonpartisan Department of Justice, once critical, now seems weakened.

The Supreme Court permits states to manipulate district boundaries and facilitates corporate campaign financing, undermining elections. It appears the Court hastens these threats while overlooking presidential lawlessness.

Educated Voters

Democracy requires education teaching democratic processes and separating truth from falsehoods. Current political extremism distracts from educational priorities, fueling division.

With over 43 million Americans functionally illiterate, many lack skills to discern truth from falsehoods. In a world full of misinformation, blind belief replaces reasoned judgment, causing division: unwavering support or opposition to Trump, for example.

A Free and Ethical Press

A competitive press based on ethical standards provides accurate information. Mergers threaten press freedom, as exemplified by a recent merger potentially placing CNN and CBS under Trump’s supporter, David Ellison. Consolidation stifles independent reporting.

The ethics of media increasingly decline, with polarization prevailing. Social media dominates, presenting unverified and biased news. Encouraging varied, reliable news sources should replace fostering harmful mergers and cutting public media subsidies.

Maintaining democracy requires strengthening these three pillars. Their erosion accelerates institutional distrust and undermines democratic principles. Action is needed to preserve democracy. What is the alternative?

Thomas G. Moukawsher, former Connecticut complex litigation judge and American Bar Association leader, authored The Common Flaw: Needless Complexity in the Courts and 50 Ways to Reduce It. These views are solely the author’s.