What is the greatest threat to America's system of checks and balances?

What constitutes the greatest risk to American democracy is complex. The answer depends on who you ask. This is due to the multifaceted nature of democracy itself, which involves a delicate balance of institutions, laws and cultural norms. Even our government is far more complex than what we were taught in history and civics classes.

We can all agree that one of the most significant risks facing American democracy is the increasing polarization of our electorate. The widening ideological divide undermines cooperation and makes compromise more difficult, turning every political issue into an existential struggle between competing visions of the country. This in a nutshell is tribalism and erodes civic norms that are essential for a functioning democracy, such as trust in institutions, respect for the rule of law, and a shared sense of national identity.

Then there is the uncontrolled proliferation of disinformation, particularly via social media. This is a clear and substantial threat to informed citizen participation. Falsehoods and conspiracy theories that initially seem funny can go viral, undermining public trust and skewing the democratic process. There is also the fragmentation of media into ideologically aligned outlets further exacerbating polarization, as people are more likely to consume information that reinforces their preexisting beliefs rather than challenges them.

Another risk comes from intentional threats to our electoral process. These include voter suppression efforts, often carried out under the guise of preventing voter fraud, that disproportionately impact minority communities and skew representation. Just as gerrymandering allows politicians to choose their voters rather than the other way around. This dilutes the principle of "one person, one vote."

And many of us overlook the increasing concentration of wealth and resources in the hands of a small elite. This poses a significant risk to democratic institutions. Economic inequality leads to unequal political power, as those with resources can more easily influence policy and public opinion. This form of inequality makes it increasingly difficult for the less privileged to participate in the democratic process.

Our democratic system is also suffering from a weakening of our system of checks and balances between the executive, legislative and judicial branches. These are not just words from our high school studies, but the reality that ensures our continued freedom from our government. Today there are those who wish to control the government through the executive by weakening the legislative and judicial branches. This can lead to autocracy. Weakening of institutions, whether through cult worship, politicization, corruption or ineffectiveness, undermines the public's trust and the system's ability to self-correct.

Our democracy is also facing a threat from the cult worship of a man who would be king. In a functioning democracy, power is not concentrated in the hands of a single individual but is distributed across a range of institutions that are held accountable to the people. When a leader becomes the focal point of a quasi-religious cult of personality, it challenges democratic principles.

First it undermines checks and balances between different branches of government. When a leader is revered to the point of cult worship, their supporters may view them as infallible and above the law. This undermines judicial and legislative checks on executive power, as these institutions may face public backlash for acting in ways that are perceived to oppose the leader.

The cult of personality often puts the leader above the law, leading to erosion of the legal norms that hold everyone accountable. The law can become more about the leader's wishes rather than a system of established principles applicable to all citizens equally. This poses a severe risk to democratic institutions and the principle of equal treatment under the law.

Cult worship discourages criticism and dissent, both essential components of a healthy democracy. Opposition parties, media and civil society often find themselves marginalized or vilified as "enemies" of the state or the leader. This creates an atmosphere of fear and repression, hindering public debate and democratic participation.

The devotion to a single leader can also create deep divisions within society. Those who are not part of the cult are often considered outsiders, enemies, or even traitors, creating a toxic "us vs. them" mentality. Such polarization is corrosive to the civic unity required for democracy to function effectively.

Let’s not forget that cults of personality often involve propaganda and manipulation of information to maintain the leader's image. When this happens, it becomes difficult for the public to make informed decisions, undermining the democratic process. The distinction between fact and fiction becomes blurred, reducing complex political debates to simple matters of loyalty to the leader.

When one leader is viewed as the sole embodiment of the state or the people, it can pave the way for authoritarian rule. This undermines democratic institutions and governance, as decision-making becomes increasingly centralized and less accountable.

In a cult of personality, the immediate wishes and whims of the leader can overshadow the long-term health and integrity of democratic institutions. This can lead to neglect in institutional development, undermining future governance and weakening the democratic structures that provide stability and continuity.

The cult worship of a leader can erode the very foundations upon which our democratic systems are built — accountability, rule of law, checks and balances, and the open exchange of ideas. It creates an environment in which democratic norms and institutions are sacrificed in the name of fealty to a single individual, posing significant risks to the preservation of democracy.

In my opinion the greatest risk to our freedom is not any single one of these factors, but rather their confluence. The interplay between them can create a vicious cycle that feeds on itself.

In a world characterized by rapid technological, demographic and geopolitical change, the resilience of American democracy is being tested. The choices we make today will determine the future of our democratic governance.

Act responsibly. Choose carefully.

Bill Gindlesperger is a central Pennsylvanian, Dickinson College graduate, Pennsylvania System Of Higher Education (PASSHE) Governor, Shippensburg University Trustee, and Chairman of eLynxx Solutions. The firm provides enterprise-level cloud-software for communicating, specifying, approving, procuring, producing, reporting and activities necessary to obtaining direct mail, packaging, promo, marketing and all other printing. He is a board member, campaign advisor, successful entrepreneur, published author and commentator. He can be reached at Bill.Gindlesperger@eLynxx.com.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: The biggest risk to American democracy is the confluence of issues