The article critiques the common American reverence for the Constitution and its founders, suggesting that constitutional history is not a straightforward evolution towards perfection. Instead, it reveals moments of significant disruption, often marked by the abandonment of prior precedents. The recent actions of President Trump, particularly through executive orders that challenge established norms, may represent another of these critical junctures. The article references Bruce Ackerman’s work on popular constitutionalism, noting past transformations, like the founding era, that disregarded existing legal frameworks, questioning whether current changes will foster democratic progress or drift toward authoritarianism.
Americans often idealize our Constitution and its origins, but constitutional history reveals a series of disruptive changes that have redefined its framework and operation.
Trump's unprecedented executive actions may signify another pivotal constitutional transformation, raising doubts about whether this shift will enhance democracy or lead to authoritarianism.
#constitutional-history #american-politics #trump-administration #legal-precedents #authoritarianism
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