An Authoritarian Attack on the Constitution

Abstract

The United States Constitution is the supreme law of the land, written as a defense against the encroachment of tyranny, establishing a delicate balance of freedoms and protections intended to safeguard democracy for generations. These basic freedoms have often been threatened by authoritarianism and autocracy, which oppose the nation’s founding principles. In the twenty-first century, anxieties over the resurgence of autocratic tendencies are once again at the forefront, as polarized rhetoric, and ideological contention ripple through the fabric of American society. The debate is not solely about external threats but also about the internal resilience of democratic institutions and the ongoing responsibility of the US Congress and the citizens to protect the freedoms enshrined in the Constitution.

An Authoritarian Attack on the Constitution

Against the backdrop of an authoritarian attacks on the constitution, recent legislative developments have further intensified concerns about the direction of American governance. Critics describe President Donald Trump’s "Big, beautiful Bill" as a highly regressive law that undermines established rights and reverses prior advancements. These legislative developments have introduced a host of regressive measures, each with profound implications for the nation’s social and economic fabric. Chief among these is a series of tax provisions that overwhelmingly favor the wealthy and large corporations. The extension and expansion of tax cuts rooted in the 2017 Trump tax law serve to disproportionately benefit high-income households, widening the gap between the affluent and everyone else. Expanded deductions for pass-through businesses—such as partnerships and sole proprietorships—primarily reward those already at the top of the income scale, while a higher federal estate tax exemption allows the wealthiest families to transfer more of their assets without facing taxation.

Even attempts to adjust the state and local (SALT) deduction, though presented as relief, still mainly benefit those residing in high-tax states who already enjoy substantial incomes. These tax policies, far from leveling the playing field, reinforce a regressive tax system where lower and middle-income individuals end up shouldering a greater relative burden.

The regressive turn does not end with tax policy. Deep cuts to essential programs like Medicaid and Medicare threaten access to healthcare for the nation’s most vulnerable, especially those in rural communities. Reductions in SNAP benefits further erode the social safety net, putting at risk children aging out of foster care, veterans, and individuals experiencing homelessness. Changes to student loan repayment structures mean higher monthly payments, especially graduate borrowers, exacerbating the already daunting challenge of educational debt. Additionally, provisions to defund Planned Parenthood clinics for a year restrict access to crucial healthcare services, compounding existing barriers faced by marginalized groups. The cumulative effect of these measures is an increase in essential costs—healthcare, education, and basic living expenses—falling hardest on those least able to bear them.

The intersection of these policies deepens income inequality and financial hardship. With weaker safety nets and tax systems favoring the wealthy, more people will face greater economic insecurity. Additionally, the assault on individual rights, due process and habeas corpus are seen not merely as policy shifts, but as pivotal moments that test the very strength and adaptability of the constitutional framework. These events invite urgent reflection on the interplay between legislative action and democratic integrity, underscoring the need for vigilance and robust civic engagement in preserving the nation’s foundational values. Further, this shift underscores the urgent need for vigilance and civic engagement to defend the equitable principles at the heart of the Constitution and ensure that democracy remains robust, inclusive, and resilient in the face of regressive tides.

In such a climate, complacency is not an option. The imperative now is for those with the capacity to lead—visionaries, advocates, and activists alike—to step forward and defend the principles that have long shielded the most vulnerable among us. The slow, insidious erosion of essential protections demands not passive observation but active resistance. It is not enough to wait for the next election cycle to chart a new course; the challenges of today require immediate, concerted action. Now is the time to harness collective wisdom, to mobilize communities, and to devise bold strategies capable of challenging the regressive tide and reclaiming political agency. Only through unity and sustained engagement can we mitigate the damage the new congressional majority and presidential administration, to preserve the foundational values of democracy for future generations.

Dr. Carl E. Harris, Sr

Program Manager Old North St. Louis Restoration Group

Principle Consultant SME GLOBAL BUSINESS CONSULTING, LLC

Reference

The passage offers a critical analysis of recent legislative developments in the United States, particularly those associated with President Donald Trump’s administration, and discusses their implications for democracy, social equity, and constitutional values. While no explicit citations are included in the text, a robust exploration of these themes can be supported by referencing a variety of credible sources. These reference categories and examples are suggested to enhance the analysis's academic rigor and evidence.

1. Legislative and Government Documents

·       Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017: The full legislative text and congressional analyses, available through the U.S. Congress or Government Publishing Office, provide primary documentation of the laws referenced.

·       Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Reports: Analyses of the fiscal and social effects of recent tax and social policy changes.

·       IRS Publications: Official summaries and guides related to tax reforms and their implementation.

2. Academic and Policy Research

·       Scholarly Articles: Journals such as Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, Public Administration Review, or the Yale Law Journal often publish peer-reviewed articles examining the impacts of specific legislation on social equity, constitutional law, and democratic processes.

·       Think Tank Reports: Research from institutions like the Brookings Institution, Urban Institute, Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, and Heritage Foundation provide diverse perspectives and analyses on U.S. tax and social policies.

3. News and Investigative Journalism

·       Major News Outlets: The New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, and Reuters have published extensive reporting on the Trump administration’s legislative agenda and its social ramifications.

·       Nonprofit Journalism: Outlets such as ProPublica or NPR offer in-depth stories on the effects of policy changes on various communities.

4. Historical and Comparative Analyses

·       Books on U.S. Constitutional History: Works by Gordon S. Wood, Akhil Reed Amar, or Jill Lepore provide historical context for the Constitution’s evolving role in American society.

·       Comparative Studies on Authoritarianism: Academic books and articles investigating global trends in democracy and authoritarian resurgence, such as those by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt (How Democracies Die), enrich the discussion of domestic developments within a wider framework.

5. Non-Governmental and Advocacy Organizations

·       American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): For commentary on rights and constitutional protections.

·       Center for American Progress: For progressive policy analysis relating to health care, education, and social safety nets.

Heritage Foundation: For conservative perspectives and analyses of the same legislative developments.