Democracy v. the Constitution in the Trump Case

Overview:

• This article by Peter J. Wallison at American Enterprise Institute discusses the Supreme Court's decision to hear Donald Trump's appeal regarding his eligibility to become President again under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment.
• The case presents a conflict between Trump's public support and the constitutional language.
• The article explores the tension between democracy and constitutional limits in the context of Trump's actions after the 2020 election.

​Key Quotes:

1. "The United States is a constitutional democracy; the people have the right to vote for their leaders, but only within rules set by the Constitution."
2. "The mere fact that Trump believes he has the power he claimed makes him a menace to all as President."

​What They Discuss:

• The constitutional debate over Trump's eligibility for the presidency based on his actions after the 2020 election.
• The role of Section 3 of the 14th Amendment in disqualifying individuals who have broken their oath to support the Constitution.
• Trump's alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election results and the implications for his eligibility.
• The broader implications of Trump's actions for the principles of constitutional democracy in the United States.
• The lack of public awareness about the specifics of Trump's actions and the role of the media in this context.

​What They Recommend:

• The article suggests a need for careful consideration of constitutional principles in deciding Trump's eligibility for a second term.
• It emphasizes the importance of upholding the Constitution over popular support in democratic governance.

​Key Takeaways:

• The Trump case highlights the delicate balance between democracy and constitutional safeguards in the United States.
• The decision of the Supreme Court in this case could have significant implications for the interpretation of constitutional democracy.
• The article underscores the importance of public awareness and understanding of constitutional issues in democratic societies.​

This is a brief overview of Peter J. Wallison's work from the American Enterprise Institute. For complete insights, we recommend reading the full article.