Card 13: Autocracy vs. Democracy

Whats At Stake For You?

Our Democratic Republic

America has a choice between two different visions for our country: one of freedom and opportunity; and the other, oppressive and bleak.  It’s a decision between maintaining our democracy or succumbing to autocracy. 

Our country is a democratic republic. As such,

• We are governed by laws, not by a single person or elite group of people. This is known as the “rule of law.” Under the law, all persons are equal.
• All citizens (except, in some states, those convicted of felonies) have the right to vote in free and fair elections and to have a say in how we are governed.
• Our rights are protected by our Constitution, though work remains to restore and ensure some of our freedoms.
• We have the right to speak freely in writing, art, music, and theater, and even in opposition to the government or governmental policies.
• The law is not a political tool used to oppress certain groups of people, stifle free speech, or exact revenge on political opponents.
• We have equal rights to education and economic opportunity and are free to worship (or not) as we choose. Minority religions are protected.
• Within the bounds of the law, we have the right to decide how and where we live and who we love. The government doesn’t make those decisions for us.

Autocracies and Dictatorships

The following are key traits of autocracies and dictatorships, many of which are outlined in the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 and are being carried out by the Trump administration.

• The government has at its head a strongman leader or select group with unlimited power.
• All government officials must be completely loyal to the leader(s). Project 2025 proposes replacing thousands of our government employees with loyalists.
• Elections may take place, but with the outcome predetermined and manipulated by the leader(s) through disinformation and lies. Some people are denied the right to vote.
• Free speech, especially in opposition to the government, is not tolerated. The press is censored or taken over by loyalists. Books are banned.
• Violence and the law are used as political weapons. Opponents of the leader(s), including the media, are harassed, targeted for revenge, and often imprisoned or killed.
• Ethnic, religious, and gender minorities have fewer rights and are described as bad for the country (poisoning the blood…). Mass detention of minorities is common.
• The government controls access to education and economic opportunity. Religious beliefs are prescribed by the government.