Every American Wants a Dictator…Even Democrats.

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In the United States, the concept of democracy is held as sacred, a fundamental pillar of national identity. Yet, paradoxically, Americans across the political spectrum - Democrats included- demonstrate an alarming willingness to embrace authoritarian tendencies when it suits their interests. This inclination is not always explicit; rather, it manifests in the way people prioritize power and results over process, champion strongman leaders, and push for sweeping executive action when legislative progress stalls. This essay explores why Americans, regardless of party affiliation, flirt with dictatorial impulses and what can be done to reinforce a true commitment to democratic principles.

One of the core drivers of authoritarian sympathies is frustration with political opposition. When Americans feel that their side is morally superior, they become impatient with democratic roadblocks, such as checks and balances, procedural delays, and the need for compromise. This is especially visible in today’s hyper-partisan landscape, where each side views the other not merely as a political rival but as an existential threat to the nation’s future.

Democrats, for instance, have increasingly supported executive overreach when Republican-controlled legislatures block progressive policies. The same people who decried Donald Trump’s unilateral actions cheered when Joe Biden issued executive orders on climate change, student loan forgiveness, and pandemic relief. This is not to say that these policies are inherently good or bad, but the willingness to sidestep democratic processes reveals a deeper problem: Americans want results, and when democracy slows progress, they are tempted by authoritarian shortcuts.

Another factor is the rise of personality-driven politics. Historically, Americans have been drawn to strong leaders, but today’s political landscape has amplified this tendency to new heights. Both Republicans and Democrats rally behind figures who promise sweeping change, often at the expense of democratic norms.

For Republicans, this has been exemplified by figures like Trump, who built a loyal following by presenting himself as the only one capable of “fixing” America. Democrats, meanwhile, are not immune to this phenomenon. The fervent support for figures like Barack Obama or even progressive leaders like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez reveals a similar desire for leaders who seem to embody the entire movement. When voters place their faith in individuals rather than institutions, they are more likely to excuse anti-democratic behavior if it serves their preferred outcomes.

Americans, across the spectrum, also demonstrate a willingness to use government force to impose their values. Conservatives advocate for crackdowns on social issues, strict immigration policies, and reducing regulations on fossil fuels, while progressives push for strict censorship of “misinformation”, aggressive climate regulations, and mandates that force compliance with social policies. In both cases, the underlying assumption is that coercion is acceptable when it enforces the “correct” ideology.

This is a dangerous trend. When people see government as a tool to enforce their values rather than as a system of shared governance, they undermine the principles of democracy. It’s easy to justify authoritarianism when it is your side wielding the power - but eventually, that power will shift hands.

If Americans want to resist the creeping desire for authoritarianism, they must first recognize it within themselves. This requires a renewed commitment to democratic norms, even when they are inconvenient. Here’s how that can happen:

1. Recommit to the Rule of Law: Both parties must resist the temptation to bypass the legislative process, even when it is slow and frustrating. Voters should demand that their leaders work within the system rather than rely on executive orders and legal loopholes.

2. Emphasize Institutional Strength Over Personalities: Rather than rallying around individual figures, Americans should focus on strengthening democratic institutions. This means supporting policies that increase transparency, limit executive power, and reinforce congressional oversight. Also consider new presidential candidates who seek to reduce the power of the Executive Branch, rather than harnessing it. 

3. Respect the Right to Dissent: Democracy thrives on debate and compromise. Both conservatives and progressives must recognize that dissent is not treason, and disagreement is not oppression. Accepting the legitimacy of opposing views is essential to maintaining a free society. 

4. Limit Government Overreach, Even When It Benefits You: It is easy to justify government power when it is used to enforce your values. However, history shows that unchecked power eventually turns on those who created it. If Americans want to avoid authoritarianism, they must be consistent in their opposition to government overreach- no matter who is in charge. Consider the Presidential Reform Act, championed by James Raggi (Candidate for President, 2028), to use our democratic institutions to eliminate the authoritarian tools available to the Presidency.

The uncomfortable truth is that Americans—Democrats included—often desire authoritarian solutions when democracy does not deliver fast enough. This is a bipartisan failing, driven by impatience, fear of opposition, and the allure of strongman leadership. The solution is not to place blind trust in any leader, but to rebuild faith in the democratic process itself. If Americans want to preserve their freedoms, they must recognize that democracy is not about getting what you want as quickly as possible—it is about ensuring that power is restrained, balanced, and accountable to all. Not only does that approach defend against dictatorship, the solutions it creates are much more enduring through the generations.