About 240 years ago, a bunch of dudes in powdered wigs wrote the Constitution and created the checks and balances system to keep any one branch of government from getting too powerful. Fast forward to today, and the checks and balances failing is now becoming a reality. What happened? And more importantly, what can we do about it?
The Founders’ Vision vs. Today’s Reality
The founders were big on limiting power, especially when it came to the presidency. They didn’t want another King George situation, so they set up the judicial and legislative branches to keep the executive branch in check. For the first couple of centuries, it kinda worked. But over the past 40 years, the checks and balances system has been eroding, and the presidency has grown way more powerful.
The Supreme Court has played a big role in this shift, often siding with the executive branch. Enter the “Unitary Executive” theory, which is basically a fancy way of saying, “Hey, the president can do whatever he wants.” Sounds great if you’re the president, not so great if you’re the rest of us.
Presidential Power Expansion: How We Got Here
The expansion of presidential power has been a slow burn. It’s not just one thing; it’s a combination of court decisions, congressional gridlock, and a general “let the president handle it” attitude. But the real kicker? The Supreme Court’s decision last year that basically gave the president immunity for any official acts. That’s like handing someone a “get out of jail free” card and saying, “Go nuts.”
Trump 2.0: The Sequel No One Asked For
Now, let’s talk about Donald Trump. Love him or hate him, the guy knows how to work the system. During his first term, he pushed the limits of presidential power. But Trump 2.0? This is next-level stuff. He’s not just bending the rules — he’s snapping them in half.
Remember when he joked about being a dictator on Day One? Yeah, that wasn’t a joke. He’s been signing executive orders like he’s Oprah handing out cars. “You get an executive order! And you get an executive order! Everybody gets an executive order!”
Why Are Checks and Balances Important?
Here’s the thing: the checks and balances system exists for a reason. It’s supposed to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful. But when that system fails, we end up with an imperial presidency — and that’s bad news for everyone.
How to Fix Checks and Balances
So, what do we do when the system that’s supposed to protect us starts to crumble? Here are a few ideas:
- Stay Informed: Knowledge is power. Follow reputable news sources and fact-check like your life depends on it.
- Get Involved: Call your representatives, show up at town halls, and make your voice heard.
- Support Accountability: Donate to or volunteer with organizations that fight for transparency and accountability.
- Don’t Panic: The system isn’t perfect, but it’s resilient. And so are we.
Trump Executive Orders Impact: What’s Next?
Trump’s approach to governing is basically a blitzkrieg. He’s hitting hard, hitting fast, and leaving everyone else scrambling to keep up. By the time anyone can challenge one of his executive orders, he’s already moved on to the next one. And once these orders are out there, they’re tough to reverse.
Final Thoughts: All Hail… Wait, What?
Look, I’m not here to tell you everything’s going to be okay. The truth is, we’re in uncharted territory, and it’s scary as hell. But here’s the thing: we’ve got a say in how this story ends. Whether it’s through voting, activism, or just being a decent human being, we can push back against the tide.
So, let’s not throw in the towel just yet. The checks and balances system might be failing, but that doesn’t mean we have to fail with it.
If you’d like some additional reading check out this article from the Rolling Stone – Trump’s First 10 Days Back in Power Were Uniquely Depraved. Don’t Get Numb To It
