We’ve Demonstrated Our Ability to Preserve the Republic

As the 2024 election season intensifies, the air feels thick with tension and anxiety. Media outlets, from cable news to social media, thrive on portraying this political climate as unprecedented. This narrative, however, might not be as original as it seems. Historical patterns suggest that such rhetoric emerges every four years.

The insults exchanged between parties have become almost formulaic. Terms like “Nazi” and “socialist” have been routinely hurled at candidates for decades. Every Republican presidential contender since Barry Goldwater has been labeled a fascist, while Democratic candidates since President Johnson have faced accusations of being communists or socialists.

Despite these alarming claims, the United States has successfully maintained its democratic framework through six Republican and five Democratic presidencies since 1964. The warnings about the catastrophic consequences of the upcoming election appear dramatically exaggerated.

We hear recurring claims: “This is the most crucial election of our lives” and “Our democracy hangs in the balance.” Yet, history tells a different story—each presidential election generates similar apprehensions, but American society endures. Concerns about civil strife loom, yet they often originate from a small fraction of the population that may engage in protests or unrest.

Many Americans will rise after election night, resume their daily routines, and continue striving for betterment. This resilience embodies the essence of our democracy. The wisdom of the Founding Fathers remains relevant; their vision created a framework that preserves individual rights while enabling the pursuit of progress.

The separation of powers in our government—Executive, Legislative, and Judicial—acts as a safeguard against authoritarianism. Over the years, both sides have claimed that the opposing party would abuse power. When Donald Trump assumed the presidency in 2016, predictions of tyranny circulated. Similarly, when Joe Biden took office in 2020, fears of lost rights and a rigged system abounded. In both cases, these extreme predictions failed to materialize.

This pattern of alarmist predictions recurs with each election cycle. Historical context echoes through the ages. During the presidential elections of the early republic, opponents similarly warned of impending doom under rival leadership. In the face of these cycles of turmoil, the nation has prevailed.

The innovations of the Founders—articulated in the Declaration of Independence and Constitution—facilitated self-governance. By dispersing authority across three branches, they engineered checks and balances designed to moderate power. Recent events have showcased this system’s functionality: impeachment proceedings against Trump ended without conviction, and legal challenges faced by a former president are subject to judicial review.

While partisan outrage may persist, the foundational principles of the American political system continue to function. Challenges exist, and remedies may be necessary, but the deliberate pace of governance safeguards against hasty, potentially damaging decisions.

As the election approaches and uncertainties loom, it’s essential to pause and reflect on the enduring framework established by our Founders. With gratitude for the stability offered by this system, we can navigate the electoral landscape with a measured perspective.