As the United States celebrated Independence Day in 2025, thoughts turned to the upcoming 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding. This milestone offers both a reason for celebration and a moment for reflection on the state of American democracy.
The evolution from 13 colonies to a global leader would likely impress the founding fathers. However, they might express concern over perceived deviations from foundational principles and governmental misconduct. The framers established a government with checks and balances modeled after the Roman Republic, but recent trends suggest an imbalance of power favoring the executive branch.
For instance, President George Washington issued only eight executive orders during his presidency. In contrast, Presidents Obama, Trump I, Biden, and Trump II have issued significantly more—276, 220, 162, and 165 respectively—raising questions about executive power expansion.
Concerns also extend to proposals like suspending habeas corpus to expedite deportations. Cornell Law School emphasizes its importance as a safeguard against arbitrary state actions.
Moreover, America’s national debt has surged dramatically since Alexander Hamilton’s time when he considered it manageable. Today’s $37 trillion debt is viewed by some as excessive and unsustainable.
Foreign policy is another area where historical warnings seem ignored. President George Washington advised against foreign entanglements; however, the U.S. has engaged in numerous military interventions since its inception.
Reflecting on these issues highlights the challenges of maintaining a democratic republic. Benjamin Franklin’s famous words resonate today: “A republic if you can keep it.”
