In the article “American Democracy is Doomed,” the author presents several arguments that support the premise that the American democratic system is at risk of collapsing. The discussion includes an argument presented by Juan Linz, a Yale political scientist, to support the hypothesis. First, the checks and balance system that regulates the United States political system depends on democracy, which involves the election of the president and the Congress by the people (Yglesias par. 5).
Therefore, even if they compromise the constitution, they argue that it is for the good of the people. The author argues that the American constitution is ineffective in finding solutions to political disagreements that could lead to the collapse of the country’s political system (Yglesias par. 5). The presidential system that America uses lacks a democratic principle to address political disagreements.
Second, the American party system is at risk of disintegration. In the past, political parties were formed on the basis of their leaders’ readiness to deliver on certain promises. Today, political parties are formed based on ideologies that encourage extremism and polarization. The polarization of parties causes serious political divisions that threaten the stability of the political system (Yglesias par. 7). The author gives an example of what happened in Honduras in 2008.
President Zelaya was deposed by the military for trying to change the constitution to favor his political ambitions. This example demonstrates how difficult it is to uphold a political system that is based on a constitution that promotes the presidential system. In America, the president is held accountable for many outcomes, even those that are beyond his power.
Third, the author uses the term “constitutional hardball” to explain another reason why American democracy is doomed (Yglesias par. 10). The term refers to political moves that are legally harmless, but that contradicts the conventional functioning of the constitution. An example of this hardball tactic is the use of filibusters, which is a common phenomenon in Obama’s administration. This tactic has been used to prevent certain bills from becoming law and to distract everyday governance.
Filibustering is a political strategy that is aimed at making the rule of the current government look tacky and inexperienced. This tactic has resulted in outcomes that have had a negative effect on the American political system. For instance, the ratings of Congress have dropped drastically because of using the hardball tactic to pass policies (Yglesias par. 12). The relationship between Obama and Congress has deteriorated.
Therefore, the President has expanded the scope of his executive authority in order to enable him to govern properly. For instance, he used his power to halt the deportation of illegal migrants without the support of Congress. Obama has, in many instances, used constitutional hardball to exert his executive powers on some matters in order to avoid resistance from the Congress. These actions are legal because they are allowed by the constitution. However, they can be used to thwart congressional obstruction in certain matters.
Fourth, the American constitutional system is highly flawed. With the advent of the ideological party system, America has experienced several crises that have revealed the weakness inherent in the constitution and the ability of the president to extend executive powers inappropriately. Many presidential systems of governance thrive on two main factors that include non-ideological and non-disciplined parties (Yglesias par. 14). These characteristics are absent in today’s political parties.
Works Cited
Yglesias, Matthew. American Democracy is Doomed. 2015. Web.