The United States, long regarded as a model of democracy, has faced a slew of problems that threaten the very core of its democratic values, which it tom-toms globally. The series of shocking events, such as the Capitol Hill insurrection, President Joe Biden’s embarrassing gaffes on the global stage, and the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, have all raised significant concerns about the health of the country’s democracy. India is warily observing the shoddy state of affairs in the US, that claims to be the world leader.
The Capitol Hill Insurrection
On January 6, 2021, the world watched in horror as a frenzied mob stormed the United States Capitol, attempting to interrupt the certification of the 2020 presidential election results. The revolt claimed nine lives, including those of policemen, and injured others, sending shockwaves throughout the country and around the world. The act was a direct assault on democracy, serving as a reminder of the profound disparity the American society is soaked in.
The events at the Capitol were fuelled by months of allegations of alleged election fraud levelled by then-US President Trump and his supporters. Trump’s reluctance to acknowledge the election results, as well as his indifference to violence, were unparalleled in US history. The revolt was clear evidence of the deterioration of democratic norms and the growth of authoritarian tendencies in the country.
Biden’s Gaffes and Global Embarrassment
Since assuming office in January 2021, Joe Biden has been on an unceasing spree of making embarrassing gaffes on the international stage, weakening the country’s position and credibility. Biden’s public appearances have sparked alarm and derision, with him forgetting the name of his Secretary of Defence, stumbling over his remarks, and appearing bewildered during news conferences. These gaffes have not only called into question Biden’s mental acuity but also harmed the country’s international reputation.
The United States, once regarded as a worldwide leader, is today viewed as meek and indecisive. This has empowered foes and frayed relations with allies, further undermining the country’s global position.
The Assassination Attempt on Donald Trump
In an unexpected change of events, former President Donald Trump was the target of an assassination attempt in July 2024 in the state of Pennsylvania during a public rally. The incident will prove to be an inflection point in the course of the US presidential elections by escalating the already hostile political climate in the country. The murder attempt was a brazen attack on the democratic process and posed a serious threat to the country’s stability. The incident has aroused severe worries regarding the security of political leaders as well as the country’s democratic institutions. It has also revealed the country’s innate intolerance and enmity, as well as the threat of violence and extremism to the democratic process.
The state of circumstances, as propounded by the above instances in the United States, is cause for serious concern. These are all symptoms of a broader problem: the divesting of democracy in the US and significant internal divisions have created a poisonous climate that jeopardises the very foundation of the country. Addressing these issues will require a collaborative effort from all stakeholders, including government leaders, civic society, and the general public. It will necessitate a dedication to defending democratic norms, encouraging civil discourse, and establishing common ground. Failure to do so will simply exacerbate the situation and undermine the country’s democratic values.
The US can take several steps to buttress its democracy. Some key recommendations include:
Strengthening election integrity: Ensuring that elections are free, fair, and transparent is crucial for a healthy democracy. This can be achieved by implementing measures such as automatic voter registration, expanding early voting and mail-in voting options, and ensuring that all eligible voters have access to the ballot.
Reforming campaign finance: The influence of money in politics is a significant issue in the United States. Reforms such as overturning the Citizens United decision, which allows corporations and other organisations to spend unlimited amounts of money on political campaigns, and implementing stricter regulations on campaign contributions and spending could help to reduce the influence of money in politics.
Addressing gerrymandering: The practice of drawing electoral districts in a way that favours one political party over another, known as gerrymandering, undermines the principle of fair representation. Reforms, such as establishing independent redistricting commissions and implementing more transparent and fair redistricting processes, could help address this issue.
Promoting civic education: A well-informed and engaged citizenry is essential for a healthy democracy. Enhancing civic education in schools and promoting media literacy can help ensure that citizens are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to participate effectively in the democratic process.
Encouraging political participation: Increasing voter turnout and encouraging more people to participate in the political process can help to ensure that the government is more representative of the population. This can be achieved through measures such as making election day a national holiday, implementing same-day voter registration, and promoting voter registration drives.
Reforming the Electoral College: The Electoral College, which is the system used to elect the President of the United States, has been criticised for being undemocratic and for giving disproportionate power to smaller states. Reforms such as replacing the Electoral College with a popular vote system could help make the presidential election more democratic.
Fostering a culture of civility and compromise: Encouraging respectful and constructive dialogue and promoting a culture of compromise and bipartisanship can help reduce the polarisation and divisiveness that have become increasingly prevalent in American politics.
The United States must work quickly to restore its democratic institutions, enhance the rule of law, and foster a culture of respect and tolerance. Only then can it hope to reclaim its status as a beacon of democracy and a global leader. Indexes show the USA scores higher than India in democracy, freedom of speech, press freedom, and electoral system ranking. But how credible are these indices that are out in the open for us to see?
Yuvraj Pokharna is an independent journalist and columnist. He tweets with @iyuvrajpokharna. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views.
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