All have failed. The Constitution, with its basic principles of separation of powers and balance of powers, is very strong. It is far more powerful than those individuals who believe the Constitution is just a piece of paper.

This matters because many Americans today assert that former President Donald Trump poses a grave threat to our Republic. Those Americans include a few prominent Republicans, such as former Vice President Dick Cheney and his daughter, former congresswoman Liz Cheney. In explaining his decision to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris, Dick Cheney argued that “there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump.”

Here’s the thing. Even if you believe Trump is a threat to democracy who harbors unusually great authoritarian ambitions, is Dick Cheney’s warning really accurate?

No, it is not.

In the first decade of the 19th century, former Vice President Aaron Burr tried to snatch the presidency from former President Thomas Jefferson. He did not succeed. Burr later killed one of the greatest Americans, Alexander Hamilton. That act ended Burr’s political career. But he was ambitious. Burr tried to instigate a war with Mexico in order to create a new country in what is now the American Southwest. He failed. He was tried for treason but not convicted because then-Chief Justice John Marshall ruled there was no war, so there could be no treason. 

Ironically, one of America’s most authoritarian leaders, former President Andrew Jackson, was considered one of the country’s greatest presidents. Jackson routinely broke the laws of the nation. He often ignored the Supreme Court. He demanded total loyalty and ruled as a near dictator. Jackson’s policies caused a severe recession. But he democratized the nation, so he is remembered fondly. The ends justified the means for many on the Left. 

In many respects, former President Franklin D. Roosevelt emulated Jackson. Roosevelt pushed the boundaries of executive power. When the Supreme Court rejected his far-left policies, Roosevelt attempted to subvert two of the foundations of the Constitution: balance of power and separation of powers. He tried to stack the court (sound familiar?). Roosevelt failed, but he greatly expanded the power of the executive. Today, the Left reveres him.

The 1950s and 1960s were tumultuous times. The nation faced the threat of global communism. The people were paranoid about communist infiltration of U.S. institutions. Sen. Joseph McCarthy (R-WI) gained great power and notoriety by conducting witch hunts for communists. He destroyed careers without cause. Former President Dwight D. Eisenhower was cowed by McCarthy’s power. Fortunately, a few brave men stood against McCarthy and his campaign of vicious lies collapsed. 

In the 1960s, former Alabama Gov. George Wallace tried to become president on a platform of racism and far-right populism. The vast majority of Americans said “no” to his anti-democratic extremism. But Wallace was not banned in a manner that might be the case were he running for office in Europe today.

Americans who vote on Nov. 5 should do so on policy. They should not vote based on fears that a candidate may become a dictator.

The Constitution is strong.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM RESTORING AMERICA

James Rogan is a former U.S. foreign service officer who later worked in finance and law for 30 years. He writes a daily note on the markets, politics, and society.