Controversial remarks from Trump regarding his leadership style have sparked inquiries into the state of democracy. Here, we outline five critical safeguards that, if maintained, may help ensure its resilience.

 In his bid for a second term, former President Donald Trump has signaled his intent to significantly enhance presidential authority, challenging established democratic norms. Proposing the utilization of the Justice Department against political opponents, endorsing the use of military force to quell protests and border crossings, and expressing the intention to populate the federal government with loyalists supportive of contentious policies, Trump's statements have raised concerns about the erosion of democratic principles. His refusal to acknowledge the legitimacy of the 2020 election results and the unsettling declaration of a potential one-day dictatorship if reelected in 2024 have heightened apprehensions among authoritarianism experts, underscoring the potential ramifications of a second term.

The structure of the U.S. government was designed to resist efforts to centralize power in the hands of one individual, distributing authority among Congress and the courts to serve as checks on the president. Furthermore, various independent agencies and established precedents spanning decades contribute additional safeguards to uphold the principles of democracy.

According to their analysis, the resilience of American democracy hinges on the collective willingness of individuals within the system to safeguard it despite potential repercussions. Daniel Kiel, a constitutional law professor at the University of Memphis, emphasized the prospect of the Constitution's limitations being laid bare. While the Constitution establishes guidelines to preserve democracy, Kiel noted that its effectiveness relies on individuals adhering to these rules. Joel Goldstein, a constitutional expert and law professor at St. Louis University School of Law, underscores that a key safeguard against presidential dictatorship lies in the expectation that other institutions will resist such overreach. The Constitution mandates that every member of Congress and the judiciary takes an oath to uphold it, with the implicit understanding that if a president exceeds their authority, the other branches will counterbalance against potential authoritarianism. Trump's significant impact on the court system is noteworthy, as he appointed over 200 federal judges during his four years in office—only approximately 30% fewer than Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush, both of whom served two terms.