Step-by-step explanation:
There is no doubt that the United States is experiencing a period of intense polarization and political division. This has raised concerns among scholars and commentators about the health of American democracy. In this essay, I will examine the evidence for and against democratic decay in three key areas of American politics: presidential and bureaucratic politics, Congressional politics, and the federal judiciary. I will also consider how the US Constitution, specifically Articles I, II, and III, may promote or inhibit democracy, and conclude by discussing potential reforms that could strengthen American democracy.
Presidential and bureaucratic politics have seen some worrisome developments in recent years. One of the most concerning is the Trump administration's blatant disregard for democratic norms and values. For example, Trump repeatedly attacked the press, used his office to enrich himself, and attempted to use the Department of Justice to punish his political opponents. While some argue that these actions were within his constitutional powers, they nevertheless represent a retreat from the norms that have traditionally guided presidential behavior. On the other hand, the Biden administration has made a concerted effort to restore faith in democratic institutions, including through efforts to strengthen the rule of law and support independent agencies such as the CDC and EPA.
Turning to Congressional politics, the picture is similarly mixed. The US Congress is increasingly polarized, with little room for compromise or bipartisanship. This has led to a situation where important legislation often stalls in Congress, with both parties blaming the other for the lack of progress. However, there are some signs of hope. For example, the passage of the infrastructure bill in 2021 was a rare example of bipartisan cooperation, and the recent passage of voting rights legislation in the House of Representatives suggests that Democrats may be able to make progress on this key issue.
The federal judiciary is another area where concerns have been raised about democratic decay. Many judges have been appointed on explicitly partisan grounds, with Republican presidents appointing conservative judges and Democratic presidents appointing liberal judges. This has led to a situation where the judiciary is increasingly politicized, with judges making decisions based on their political beliefs rather than the law. On the other hand, there are also many examples of judges who have demonstrated a commitment to the rule of law and an independent judiciary, even in the face of political pressure.
As for the US Constitution, there are both elements that promote democracy and those that may inhibit it. For example, the First Amendment guarantees freedom of speech and the press, which are essential components of a healthy democracy. On the other hand, the Electoral College and the Senate's structure give disproportionate power to less populous states, which may undermine the principle of "one person, one vote." Additionally, the Supreme Court's decision in Citizens United v. FEC, which allows unlimited spending by corporations in political campaigns, has been criticized for giving wealthy interests an outsized influence in the political process.
In terms of reforms that could strengthen democracy, there are several possibilities. For example, some have called for the abolition of the Electoral College and a shift to a popular vote for presidential elections. Others have called for the introduction of ranked-choice voting or proportional representation to ensure that all votes count equally. Additionally, some have called for reforms to campaign finance laws to reduce the influence of wealthy donors and corporations on the political process. Ultimately, the specific reforms that are needed will depend on the particular challenges facing American democracy at the time.
In conclusion, there are certainly some worrisome signs of democratic decay in the US, particularly in terms of the retreat from democratic norms and values by some politicians and parties. However, there are also many examples of individuals and institutions that are committed to preserving democracy and upholding the rule of law. By focusing on reforms that promote greater democracy and transparency, the US can work to strengthen its democratic institutions and ensure that they continue to serve the needs of all Americans.