America at a Breaking Point: The Fight to Save Our Democracy
Unchecked Power, A Constitutional Crisis, and the Urgent Need for Action to Protect Our Children’s Future
Our democracy is teetering on the brink of collapse. It is a legitimate concern to think our democracy will not survive Trump’s second term. A constitutional crisis happens when the government faces a significant breakdown in its constitutional system. These breakdowns can include things like an unresolved conflict between the three branches of government (Executive, Judicial, Legislative), or when officials defy constitutional laws as interpreted by the Judicial Branch.
We are just a couple weeks into Trump’s second term, and the U.S. has already experienced significant political and legal tension. It is undoubtedly a full-blown constitutional crisis. This is not up for debate. I am fearful that our republic will not survive.
Just yesterday, JD Vance essentially said that the Judicial Branch cannot be a check on the Executive Branch. Basically, JD Vance, a graduate of Yale Law School, doesn’t understand what each branch of government does. And demonstrates that he clearly hasn’t read the Constitution.
JD Vance’s tweet presents either a fundamental misunderstanding or a deliberate rejection of the U.S. Constitution’s system of checks and balances. His stance is deeply problematic because it contradicts the very foundation of American democracy and threatens our rule of law.
The Constitution intends for each branch to be coequal. Each branch is a check on the other branches to create balance so that one branch does not become too powerful.
For those who seem to be as confused as JD Vance about the function of each branch of government, here’s a little rundown:
Legislative Branch (Congress). Congress consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The main responsibilities of Congress are to write and pass laws, control the purse, declare war, confirm Presidential appointments, and impeach and remove officials who abdicate their duties.
Executive Branch (President and Administration). The executive branch is made up of the President, Vice-President, and the Cabinet. The main responsibility of the Executive Branch is to enforce laws. This branch has the power to sign or veto laws, direct foreign policy, command the military, appoint federal judges, and issue executive orders. Which, by the way, Trump has signed more than 50 of so far, which is a record breaking pace.
Judicial Branch (SCOTUS and Federal Courts). The Judicial branch is made up of the Supreme Court (9 Justices, for now) and Federal Courts (Circuit and District Courts). Their responsibility is to review laws and executive actions to ensure they adhere to the Constitution, resolve legal disputes and interpret the law.
Vance’s argument undermines the fundamental constitutional principle that no one (not even Trump) is above the law. This is what differentiates democracies from autocracies. If the judiciary lacks the authority to check the president, it opens the door to unchecked executive power, allowing for authoritarian overreach.
Let’s be very clear. This crisis doesn’t just affect adults, it threatens the future of our children. Education is under attack. The Department of Education is Donald Trump’s and DOGE’s next target. They want to gut the department which will have devastating impacts on public education, including eliminating vital programs for children.
If the current trajectory continues, our children will have a future void of democracy. What kind of world are we leaving to the next generation? If democratic institutions collapse, today’s children will grow up in a country where their voices and votes mean less than the whims of authoritarian rulers.
And there goes their bright futures.
To those of us who feel like we’re on the verge of losing everything, to those wondering where Democratic governors have been when it comes to pushing back against Donald Trump’s authoritarian regime, you’re not the only one. As of 2025, 23 states have Democratic governors. And in my opinion, one state’s Governor stands out above all others. That is Governor JB Pritzker of Illinois. He is leading the charge. Where are the other Democratic governors? If you’re wondering, know that I’m wondering the same thing. As is, we have already seen Governor Gretchen Whitmer cave on DEI.
In November of 2024, Governor Pritzker (with Governor Jared Polis of Colorado), co-chaired a coalition, Governors Safeguarding Democracy, of Democratic-led states aimed at resisting Trump's policies. This group has focused on countering federal initiatives they believe undermine state autonomy and progressive values.
For the average concerned American citizen, it feels like there should be more resistance. What are they waiting for? We need more Governor Pritzkers, more Governor Polises, and more Governor Newsoms. Our children’s futures depend on it. We must demand more from more than just a couple of our Democratic governors. The alternative is that our country is held hostage by a vindictive and narcissistic madman.
The stakes could not be higher. Our democracy is in freefall, and without immediate, decisive action, we risk losing everything. The erosion of checks and balances, the blatant disregard for constitutional law, and the growing overreach by the Executive Branch threaten everything this country stands for. If we fail to push back now, we are condemning the next generation to a nation where power is unchecked and democracy is nothing more than a lesson in a history book. That is, if those haven’t been banned. This is not the time for complacency or half-measures. Democratic governors, lawmakers, and every American who values freedom must step up before it is too late. We need leaders like JB Pritzker who are willing to take bold action—not tomorrow, not in a few months, but today. Our country, our children, and our future depend on it.