Reconciling Classical Liberal Democracy in the Age of Illiberalism
In an 1822 letter to W.T. Barry, James Madison warned, “A popular Government, without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a Prologue to a Farce or a Tragedy; or, perhaps both” (Madison, 1822). To Madison, the survival of the American experiment depended on an informed citizenry. Without it, democracy would inevitably collapse under the weight of ignorance and factionalism. Nearly 250 years after the drafting of the Constitution, his warning has become uncomfortably prescient.
The founders envisioned a nation governed by laws, not men—a liberal democracy grounded in equality, liberty, and justice. These ideas were bold and imperfectly realized, yet they remain a beacon of possibility. Today, however, the rise of illiberalism—marked by authoritarian impulses, disdain for institutions, and divisive rhetoric—threatens to unravel that vision. In this moment of fracture, Americans must rediscover the foundations of their democracy and act decisively to preserve it.
The Founders’ Blueprint for Self-Government
At the heart of America’s founding was a radical idea: government derives its legitimacy from the consent of the governed. The Constitution and the Federalist Papers provide a roadmap for balancing competing interests through pluralism, separation of powers, and the rule of law. In Federalist No. 10, Madison acknowledged the inevitability of factions but argued that a large republic with diverse perspectives would safeguard against tyranny (Madison, 1787).
The founders also understood that self-government demands more than institutional safeguards. It requires a citizenry capable of rising above self-interest to protect the common good. As Madison noted, “Knowledge will forever govern ignorance: And a people who mean to be their own Governors, must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives” (Madison, 1822). This faith in the capacity of informed citizens to sustain democracy underpins the entire American project.
Yet the history of the United States is one of tension between these ideals and their execution. Women, enslaved people, and Indigenous populations were excluded from the republic’s promises. Even so, the genius of liberal democracy lies in its capacity for self-correction. The abolition of slavery, the expansion of suffrage, and the civil rights movement attest to its resilience (Zinn, 2005). However, systemic challenges—such as the entrenchment of wealth and power through lobbying and campaign finance—threaten this capacity for renewal. Democracy’s strength is not inherent—it must be defended.
Illiberalism as a Betrayal of the Founders’ Intent
The rise of illiberalism in the United States reflects a deepening disconnect from the founders’ vision. Illiberal leaders thrive on division, presenting themselves as saviors while undermining the democratic institutions they claim to protect. They exploit economic grievances, erode public trust, and demonize opponents, betraying the pluralism and reasoned debate the founders championed (Levitsky & Ziblatt, 2018).
Economic inequality has widened the gap between Americans’ expectations of government and its perceived failures. Between 1979 and 2020, the top 1% of earners saw their income grow by 179%, while the bottom 50% experienced stagnation (Congressional Budget Office, 2021). Communities left behind by globalization and automation harbor resentment, creating fertile ground for populist rhetoric. In towns across Appalachia and the Rust Belt, hollowed-out economies and shuttered factories are daily reminders of unfulfilled promises (Vance, 2016).
Meanwhile, polarization has transformed political opponents into existential threats, feeding the zero-sum thinking that illiberalism depends on. Social media algorithms, designed to maximize engagement through outrage, amplify division and misinformation (Tufekci, 2018). Simplistic solutions and charismatic figures easily sway an electorate disconnected from democratic norms, weakening the constitutional order and eroding trust in public institutions.
Madison’s fears about an uninformed public are no longer hypothetical in this environment. The result is not just civic apathy but active participation in undermining democracy, as seen in the rise of election denialism and attacks on the integrity of the judicial system (Levitsky & Ziblatt, 2018).
Reclaiming the Liberal Democratic Vision
The path forward lies not in nostalgia for an idealized past but in a renewed commitment to the principles that have guided America through its darkest hours. This begins with education. Civic literacy has declined precipitously in recent decades, with surveys revealing that only 26% of Americans can name all three branches of government (Annenberg Public Policy Center, 2021). To combat this, schools must reintroduce robust civics education grounded in critical thinking, historical analysis, and practical engagement with democratic processes. State and local governments can mandate these curricula, while nonprofit organizations like iCivics provide scalable resources.
Economic reform is equally essential. As Robert D. Putnam argues in The Upswing, periods of national renewal often follow moments of stark inequality. Policies that expand access to affordable housing, job training programs, and universal healthcare can restore faith in democracy's promise, particularly in communities that feel abandoned (Putnam, 2020). For example, initiatives like the Appalachian Regional Commission’s investments in broadband access show how targeted efforts can bridge the urban-rural divide and foster economic revitalization.
Americans must also embrace a culture of respect and collaboration. Organizations like Braver Angels demonstrate the power of dialogue in bridging ideological divides. These efforts, though localized, offer a blueprint for scaling empathy and mutual understanding nationwide. Addressing systemic issues, such as campaign finance reform, is also critical to leveling the playing field and restoring public trust (Lessig, 2011).
Preserving the Constitution in Daily Life
The Constitution is more than a set of rules—it reflects the nation’s highest aspirations. To preserve it, Americans must hold themselves and their leaders accountable. This means demanding transparency, rejecting the politics of fear, and refusing to normalize the erosion of democratic norms.
The media plays a critical role in this effort. A free press is essential to democracy, but sensationalism often undermines its credibility. Outlets like ProPublica demonstrate the importance of rigorous investigative journalism in holding power to account. Citizens, too, must take responsibility by consuming news critically, supporting reputable sources, and engaging in informed debate (Kovach & Rosenstiel, 2014).
Tech platforms, which play an outsized role in shaping public discourse, must also face scrutiny. Algorithms that prioritize divisive content over constructive dialogue must be reformed. Legislative efforts, like the Platform Accountability and Transparency Act, aim to address these issues and hold companies accountable for their impact on democracy (Barrett, 2022).
A Call to Action
The stakes could not be more precise. The rise of illiberalism is not inevitable—it is a choice. By recommitting to the principles of liberal democracy, Americans can honor the founders’ vision while adapting it to meet the challenges of a complex and divided society.
Jon Meacham, reflecting on the enduring strength of democracy, reminds us that “history hangs on a hinge.” Moments of crisis are also moments of opportunity. This is one such moment. The question is whether Americans will rise to meet it.
The path forward requires courage and imagination. It demands that citizens reject apathy and cynicism in favor of engagement and hope. In Lincoln's words, “The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. As our case is new, so we must think anew, and act anew” (Lincoln, 1862). The survival of liberal democracy depends not on its institutions alone but on the collective will of its people to protect and preserve it. The time to act is now.
By Ron Starbuck, Publisher - CEO
Saint Julian Press, Inc.
Houston, Texas
Used with permission
References
Annenberg Public Policy Center. (2021). Civics Knowledge Survey.
Barrett, P. (2022). Regulating Algorithms: The Platform Accountability and Transparency Act.
Congressional Budget Office. (2021). Trends in the Distribution of Household Income.
Kovach, B., & Rosenstiel, T. (2014). The Elements of Journalism.
Levitsky, S., & Ziblatt, D. (2018). How Democracies Die.
Lessig, L. (2011). Republic, Lost: How Money Corrupts Congress—and a Plan to Stop It.
Lincoln, A. (1862). Annual Message to Congress.
Madison, J. (1787). The Federalist No. 10.
Madison, J. (1822). Letter to W.T. Barry.
Putnam, R. D. (2020). The Upswing: How America Came Together a Century Ago and How We Can Do It Again.
Tufekci, Z. (2018). “The Real Reason Fans Hate the Last Season of Game of Thrones.” Scientific American.
Vance, J. D. (2016). Hillbilly Elegy.
Zinn, H. (2005). A People’s History of the United States.
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