Lesson Two: Defend Institutions
“It is institutions that help us to preserve decency. They need our help as well. Do not speak of “our institutions” unless you make them yours by acting on their behalf. Institutions do not protect themselves. They fall one after the other unless each is defended from the beginning. So choose an institution you care about—a court, a newspaper, a law, a labor union—and take its side.”
In his book On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century, historian Timothy Snyder presents a powerful warning about the fragility of democracy and the creeping dangers of authoritarianism. Lesson number Two is “Defend Institutions”, a call to recognize and protect the organizations and structures that uphold democracy and the rule of law.
Institutions—such as courts, legislatures, the press, and independent watchdog organizations—form the backbone of a free society. They ensure accountability, safeguard rights, and serve as a check on the concentration of power. However, as Snyder highlights, these institutions do not automatically defend themselves. They require public trust and active participation to function effectively.
Snyder warns that institutions often crumble from within, as political leaders and elites slowly erode their credibility and independence. Below are some of the ways democracy is eroded in the move towards authoritarianism, and examples of this has happened and is happening.
Assault on the Press:
A free press is essential for holding leaders accountable. Politicians and pundits in the GOP have labeled mainstream media outlets as “fake news” and “enemies of the people,” fostering distrust in factual reporting. Over the past eight years we have seen a rise of disinformation. Many Americans now rely on partisan or misleading sources, such as Facebook and Twitter, rather than fact-based journalism to get their news. Harassment and even violence against reporters has escalated, creating a chilling effect on investigative journalism. Most recently, Trump has been handpicking the reporters that are allowed in the press pool.
Why a Free Press Matters:
An informed public is necessary for democracy to function. Undermining credible journalism enables authoritarian-style governance where misinformation dominates.
Examples of Assaults on a Free Press:
- China (1949–Present): The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) controls all media, censors dissenting voices, and spreads propaganda to maintain power.
- Myanmar (2021–Present): After the military coup, press freedom collapsed, with journalists jailed and media outlets shut down.
- United States: White House takes control of press pool that covers Trump, Trump White House seeks tighter grip on message with new limits on press
Attacks on the Judiciary
The judicial system has also come under increasing pressure. Courts are meant to serve as a neutral arbiter of the law, but partisan attacks have sought to delegitimize judicial decisions. The confirmation of judges based on ideological loyalty rather than impartiality threatens the independence of the judicial system.
Why an independent Judiciary Matters:
Weakening judicial independence risks turning the courts into political tools rather than protectors of constitutional rights. The judiciary is a key check on executive and legislative power.
Examples of Attacks on the Judiciary:
- Poland (2015–Present): The ruling Law and Justice Party (PiS) has eroded judicial independence by taking control of the courts, leading to concerns about the rule of law in the European Union.
- Nazi Germany (1933–1945): Adolf Hitler dismantled judicial independence, using courts to legitimize Nazi policies and persecution.
Undermining the Electoral System
One of the most significant attacks on U.S. institutions has been the challenge to the legitimacy of elections. The 2020 presidential election saw an unprecedented effort to cast doubt on the electoral process. Despite numerous audits, recounts, and court rulings affirming the election’s integrity, false claims of widespread fraud persisted, culminating in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Why Confidence in our Electoral System Matters:
Democracy depends on faith in free and fair elections. When voters no longer trust the system, it weakens democratic participation. Efforts to restrict voting access, change election oversight, or empower partisan officials to overturn results could undermine future democratic processes.
Examples of Undermining Electoral System:
How Trump has undermined public trust in election system leading up to 2024 race
How Donald Trump’s Election Lies and Other Anti-Voter Policies Will Continue to Impact Our Democracy
The Trump Administration Is Going After Our Elections Too
Political Corruption and Kleptocracy
In a corrupt government leaders exploit state institutions for personal or political gain. They misuse public funds and the corruption becomes systemic. Soon, law enforcement agencies serve the ruling elite rather than the people.
Examples of Political Corruption and Kleptocracy:
- Russia (2000s–Present): Under Vladimir Putin, Russia has become a kleptocracy where oligarchs and state officials enrich themselves while silencing opposition. Institutions such as courts and elections exist in name only, serving the regime.
- Venezuela (1999–Present): Successive governments under Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro have dismantled independent institutions, leading to widespread corruption, economic collapse, and humanitarian crises.
- United States: Republicans Open the Door for Trump, Musk to Exploit Government Regulations of Their Own Business Ventures Into Digital Payments, Elon Musk Has Grown Even Wealthier Through Serving in Trump’s Administration, Justice Dept.’s Weaponization Group Underscores Trump’s Quest for Retribution
Congressional Dysfunction and Gridlock
Congress, the legislative body responsible for creating laws and representing the people, has become increasingly dysfunctional. Partisan gridlock has made it difficult to pass critical legislation, and some lawmakers have contributed to rhetoric that undermines democratic norms.
Examples of Institutional Erosion:
- Efforts to Overturn Election Results: Republican members of Congress sought to reject legitimate electoral votes in 2020, setting a dangerous precedent. The 147 Republicans Who Voted to Overturn Election Results
- Political Obstructionism: The use of filibusters and refusal to compromise have weakened Congress’s ability to govern effectively.
Why a Functioning Congress Matters:
A dysfunctional Congress weakens America’s ability to address national challenges. When lawmakers prioritize party loyalty over democratic principles, the institution itself loses credibility.
Rise of Authoritarianism and Human Rights Abuses
In an Authoritarian Government force is used to suppress dissent. Human rights abuses increase, which include torture, mass surveillance, and arbitrary detentions. We quickly see BIPOC and LGBTQ+ people as well as political opponents being persecuted.
Examples of Authoritarianism and Human Rights Abuses:
- Soviet Union (1920s–1991): Stalin’s purges and the suppression of dissent led to mass imprisonment, forced labor camps (Gulags), and widespread fear.
- North Korea (1948–Present): The country operates as a totalitarian dictatorship, with no political freedoms, extreme surveillance, and widespread human rights abuses.
- United States: Trump’s Executive Orders Threaten Broad Range of Human Rights, Trump Administration Civil and Human Rights Rollbacks
The Need to Defend U.S. Institutions
As Timothy Snyder warns in On Tyranny, institutions do not protect themselves—it is up to the people to defend them. This means supporting a free press, upholding the rule of law, respecting electoral processes, and demanding accountability from leaders. Democracy is not self-sustaining; it requires active participation and vigilance from its citizens.
What Can We Do?
- Supporting Independent Journalism – Subscribe to reputable news sources and resist the spread of disinformation.
- ProPublica
- Associated Press
- The Contrarian on Substack
- NPR
- Find Journalist that you trust and support their work
- Donate
- Holding Leaders Accountable – Vote, protest, and engage in civic activism to demand institutional integrity.
- Defending the Rule of Law – Support judicial independence and oppose attempts to politicize legal institutions.
- Donate to the ACLU, Southern Poverty Law Center
- Engaging in Civil Society – Strengthening democratic institutions also means participating in:
- community organizations- Check out local Meet-Up groups, Local DFL website, Start your own!
- advocacy groups, Red, Wine and Blue, MoveOn: People-Powered Progress
- non-governmental organizations that act as additional checks on power.
- Become active in the voting process:
- Get out the Vote Campaigns,
- Work as an Election Judge,
- Stay up to date on new legislation in your state that restricts voting rights
