Most would agree we are living in turbulent times. Throughout our history, Americans have faced profound challenges, beginning with the American Revolution and the creation of our nation itself. Our founders described American democracy as a “grand experiment,” a government entrusted to the people. When asked whether the constitutional convention had created a republic or a monarchy, Benjamin Franklin replied, “A republic, if you can keep it.” Our system requires active civic participation if it is to endure.
The 52-word Preamble to our Constitution, beginning with “We the People,” lays out the document’s purpose: “To establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity.”
The U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the land and rests on the Rule of Law, not the rule of man. Those elected or appointed to serve – members of Congress, the president, Cabinet officials, judges and members of the military – swear an oath to uphold the Constitution, not allegiance to a person.
Under the Rule of Law, power derives from constitutions and laws; no one is above the law, and governance is stable and predictable. Under the rule of man, power rests with the personal will of a leader who dictates the rules, places themselves above the law, and governs through unpredictability and personal vendettas.
The Rule of Law also depends on the separation of powers. Our government has three coequal branches – executive, legislative and judicial – with checks and balances designed to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. When a branch oversteps its authority or cedes its responsibilities, democracy is weakened.
Some historians suggest the average life span of a democracy is 200 to 250 years. Factors contributing to democratic decline include apathy and failure to participate in governance. In the 2024 presidential election, of the 240 million eligible voters, roughly 150 million Americans cast ballots – meaning nearly 90 million did not participate.
Other warning signs include economic instability – as of 2023, 1% of households hold 30% of the nation’s wealth while the middle class continues to shrink – excessive polarization, disinformation, rejection of election results, undermining the press, and political violence. Ringing any bells?
This year, the United States will celebrate its 250th birthday. America has long been known as the “land of the free and the home of the brave.” Hundreds of thousands have given their lives defending this democracy. We cannot let it falter on our watch. Attend rallies, make calls, write letters. Each of us must do what we can.
To examine how power operates during democratic strain, the Colorado League of Women Voters is hosting a four-part Democracy Speaker Series. “Understanding Power” and “Threatened Democracy” were the topics for the Jan. 15 and Jan. 22 sessions, and recordings are available by e-mailing lwvmzc@gmail.com.
Upcoming watch parties include “Where Power Lives” on Jan. 29 (4:30 to 6:30 p.m.) at the Dolores Library and “The Future of Democracy” on Feb. 19 (4:30 to 6:30 p.m.) at the Cortez Library. Zoom participation is also available for a fee.
Karen Sheek of Cortez chairs the Montezuma County League of Women Voters and is a former Cortez mayor and city councilor. Contact lwvmzc@gmail.com or find the League on Facebook at https://tinyurl.com/bdcjr8pn.
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