The essence of the devolution of a political system from a genuine liberal democratic state to an illiberal democracy is the erosion of effective independent checks and balances on the government. Thanks to the efforts of Trump and the GOP, where does America stack up today? Here is my analysis:
1. A POLITICIZED JUDICIARY: Check. This is the essence of the McConnell project. He intends to keep the GOP in power even if it loses elections, and it’s showing fruit. Another Trump term would probably do the trick.
2. A POLITICIZED SYSTEM OF LAW ENFORCEMENT: Bingo. Trump and Barr have taken clear steps in that direction in spite of a torrent of public criticism. Just imagine what they could do with a second term and an emergency!
3. THE REPLACEMENT OF AN INDEPENDENT CIVIL SERVICE WITH POLITICAL HACKS: What, you mean the deep state? It’s a tough nut to crack, but Trump is doing his best, and the Republicans in Congress are doing nothing to stop him.
4. AN ELECTORAL SYSTEM RIGGED IN FAVOR OF INCUMBENTS: The Senate and the Electoral College already give the GOP a built-in advantage. Throw in more effective methods of gerrymandering and voter suppression and a Supreme Court which tilts towards Republicans and you are teetering on the edge of a rigged system. One hopes that the disgrace in Wisconsin will provoke a backlash, but that remains to be seen.
5. THE DESTRUCTION OF INDEPENDENT MEDIA: Trump blasts the MSM on a daily basis and muses about changes to libel law, but nothing meaningful has happened here. Give him a second term and an unpopular war, and anything is possible.
My verdict: We are getting uncomfortably close to becoming an illiberal democracy. Another Trump victory and an emergency which justifies curtailing individual rights might well push us over the edge.