Thank to a friend, I am in receipt of Thanks to a friend, I am in receipt of Bruce Ackerman's book, THE DECLINE AND FALL OF THE AMERICAN REPUBLIC (2010).
As the first decade of the new millennium was ending Ackerman predicted seven imminent developments based on his life's work, his understanding of the evolution of the US constitutional structure:
1) That we would see "an increasing number of charismatic outsider types who gain office by mobilizing activist support for extremist programs...."
2) Presidents, whether elected on such a platform or not, will become ever more reliant on media consultants, which will in turn generate a "politics of unreason."
3) They will govern around or in conflict with the executive departmental structure, cabinet officers and their subordinates, relying instead on "their White House staff of superloyalists."
4) They will increasingly politicize the military;
5) ... increasingly invoke emergencies and emergency powers;
6) ... increasingly "evade or ignore congressional statutes when public opinion polls support decisive action.
7) Although all this will surely generate constitutional litigation, Ackerman expresses concern, too, that over time "the Supreme Court may find it prudent to stage a strategic retreat, allowing the President to displace Congress...."
Pretty good shooting, Bruce.
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