What do you think is at stake in the next presidential election? Some of you have said that the environment, reproductive rights, and immigration are three major issues that need to be settled. Think beyond specific issues, and describe what is at stake at the “meta” level. The United States has always claimed to be a nation of laws, not men. We also pride ourselves on providing citizens with a government that allows us to maximize our happiness and minimize our discomfort. What else do Americans believe about how people should live? How might an individual president, with all of the constraints we place on the executive impact our values or taint our “soul”?
Mar 28
What is at stake in the next presidential election?
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
6 comments
Skip to comment form
Beyond specific policy issues like the environment, reproductive rights, and immigration, the upcoming presidential election carries significant effects at a meta-level that go beyond individual agendas. The integrity of the American political system and the fundamental concept of democracy are at risk. The outcome of the election will determine whether the nation stays true to its founding ideals of justice, accountability, and openness, or if it drifts more and farther toward authoritarianism, populism, and the erosion of democratic norms. The narrative surrounding national identity and values will also be shaped by the election, impacting how Americans view themselves and their role in the world. The result will affect the country’s moral compass and direct its position on social justice, equality, and human rights concerns. The outcome of this election will set the tone for civic engagement and participation, and the next presidential election will have long-reaching implications that go far beyond policy debates, including the fundamentals of American democracy and its standing in the world. In addition to being a nation of laws, Americans hold diverse views on the ideal way of life, based on ideas like individualism, freedom, and opportunity. There is a strong emphasis on personal autonomy and the pursuit of happiness, which includes the freedom to pursue one’s goals and aspirations without undue interference from the government or societal constraints. Americans value equality of opportunity, believing that everyone should have a fair chance to succeed regardless of background or circumstances. There’s also a deep-seated belief in community and mutual responsibility, where individuals are expected to contribute to the common good while also enjoying the benefits of society. However, an individual president, despite the constraints placed on the executive branch, can significantly impact these values and potentially taint the nation’s soul. A president’s actions and leadership style can shape the moral fabric of the country, either upholding democratic ideals or undermining them. The American people’s collective identity and ideals are ultimately shaped by the president’s integrity and character, which has a significant impact on how they view themselves and their place in the world.
In the next presidential election, much more than specific policy issues are at stake. At a “meta” level, the foundational principles of the United States, including the notion of being a nation of laws, the protection of individual rights and freedoms, and the pursuit of happiness, are all on the line. Americans believe in the importance of democracy, equality, justice, and the rule of law. The presidency holds significant power and influence in shaping and upholding these values. An individual president, with their policies, actions, and rhetoric, can either reinforce or undermine these core beliefs. Furthermore, the presidency serves as a reflection of American identity and values on the global stage. The actions of a president can impact international relations, alliances, and perceptions of the United States around the world. A president’s decisions on issues like foreign policy, trade, and diplomacy can have far-reaching consequences for global stability and America’s standing in the international community. Also, the presidency holds symbolic significance as a representation of the American people and their aspirations. The character, integrity, and leadership qualities of the president can influence societal norms, attitudes, and behaviors. A president who upholds democratic values, fosters unity, and promotes inclusivity can inspire civic engagement and collective action. On the other hand, a president who disregards democratic norms and undermines institutions can erode trust in government and sow discord within society. The abuse of executive power or failure to uphold constitutional principles can weaken the fabric of democracy and undermine the legitimacy of governance. The outcome of the presidential election goes beyond partisan politics or policy agendas, it speaks to the nation’s soul
I think one of the main things at stake in this election is the state of democracy’s preservation in the US. Former President Trump has consistently undermined democratic principles through the attack on the capitol, the false claims of election fraud, the attempt to stop the vote, attacked the press and has relentlessly lied. Free speech, free press, and preservation of democracy is fundamental for ensuring our country can continue protecting our individual rights and freedom. Allowing for free, unregulated public debate and scrutiny towards officials lends itself to upholding the pursuit of the democratic ideal. Democracy vests the power in the people, and the people are governed by the whole population (that is, through elected representatives). Thus, democracy promotes fundamental freedoms and protection of human rights, insofar as it is operating properly. Considering that it is fundamental to democracy to have freedom of speech to ensure that public officials are acting in the interest of the people, freedom of speech promotes widespread utility as it is necessary to the state of democracy and the government’s ability to serve its people. Every person in a nation is a constituent of their government, and thus every person is affected by the actions of their government. Promoting democratic ideals through the check on governmental power benefits all the members of a nation. Donald Trump is a textbook populist authoritarianism who has consistently attempted to suppress speech, ideas, and democratic principles. As democratic principles erode, our government deteriorates and is no longer to serve us properly. This is what it at stake if Trump wins reelection.
On a personal level, I believe my confidence in our democratic system – as one that is adequately functioning and respected – is most definitely at stake. As a student studying politics, and someone who has had aspirations of working in the public sector for most of my life, I worry that if this election results in Donald Trump taking office the damage done will be irrevocable. Others have mentioned that the presidency is a human embodiment of our nation’s values, and I agree. I believe our corrupted values will be reflected to all citizens within the United States and those of every other country around the world – our allies and our adversaries – if we elect an individual who has built a reputation of self-interest and retribution.
An inability to uphold the basic principles of democracy, peaceful transfer of power, or division of church and state are the first steps towards authoritarianism, and further, a country so subdivided into extremist ideologies that the very identity that built our country – individual liberty – will become a remnant of history. And this risk must be felt by us all, no matter our politics.
In sum, I feel that the outcome of this election will both inspire a collective campaign to maintain our democratic functions and defend our personal rights and in the same breath likely cause widespread political disengagement from the youngest population of Americans. In a political landscape as dire as the one we are currently confronted with, disassociation is not the answer. Fighting to uphold what values we have left, is.
I believe what is at stake in this election is what we as Americans value in a President. Donald Trump has practically become a populist leader with an incredibly loyal, almost cult-like following. Populism is extremely dangerous to our democratic system, as was illustrated on January 6th. I truly believe that Americans are no longer voting for a president based off of their policy or achievements they made while in office. I fear Americans vote based on emotion and nothing more. Many fear that if Donald Trump were to get elected he would not relinquish the presidency after his term. I think what is even more frightening than this prospect is that there is a large portion of his supporters that wouldn’t be opposed to this. What is at stake in this election is not as much difference in policy, but a final shift in our way of political thinking. Since 2016, we have been incredibly separated on partisan lines. This election has the chance to try and bring about normalcy in the political system, or firmly cement our new radical and emotional way of thinking that will only sow division.
Some things that I feel are at stake for our upcoming presidential election are our country’s unity. The main aspect that brings our country together is being “American” but many of these American ideals are jeopardized by the split of each party. The bicameral system used isn’t productive because instead of choosing what we agree with most we are choosing the lesser of 2 evils. Our democratic system is at risk due to the intense following for our republican candidate and win or lose there will be an uproar within our country. With every election, we are creating more and more of a divide between parties due to the publicity of each candidate and the response on the internet creating many little arguments between people fighting for their entire party and there is no in-between group. The dramatic divide leaves no room for someone to be unsure there is a requirement to school which is the least bad. Finally the view of our country, globally the US is seen as a place of freedom but after this election, we are stuck with 2 sub-par candidates who both are thought of commonly as too old, one going through trial and the other is thought of as a grandpa with a bad memory. Neither option is ideal but no matter the turnout, the quality of our country depletes in the face of other nations.