Democratic Challenges

American democracy faces acute pressures from executive overreach, attacks on institutions, and threats to electoral integrity. Scholars highlight why political scientists now rate the U.S. closer to ‘illiberal’ than ‘strong democracy’, citing weakened checks on power, media intimidation, and civil service erosion.

Elections Under Strain

Free elections are challenged by states abandoning traditional redistricting rules and disputes over voter access. Explore whether your vote matters and how systems differ between citizen votes and delegate selection.

Institutional Attacks

Independence of courts, media, and agencies is targeted, raising risks like legal fallout from prosecuting former officials. See norms for investigating predecessors and presidents ignoring court orders.

Trust and Civic Health

Declining trust fuels polarization, amplified by disinformation. Compare civics vs. patriotic education and review health rumors exposing trust crises.