A Brief History and Comparison to Elsewhere

An Independent Justice Department protects US democracy: An Introduction

An Independent Justice Department Defends Democracy by ENSURING NO PRESIDENT TWISTS IT INTO A TOOL FOR PERSONAL POWER. It stands as a bulwark against tyranny, preserving the rule of law and ensuring accountability for all citizens, including those in the highest offices. The incoming President-Elect’s blatant disregard for this tradition, combined with his autocratic tendencies, places the future of American democracy at grave risk.

Why An Independent Justice Department Protects US Democracy

Tradition has long dictated that the Justice Department act independently from the president. George Washington set this precedent by refraining from interfering in prosecutions, demonstrating respect for the Constitution’s checks and balances. Even during times of crisis, such as the Civil War and World War II, presidents like Lincoln and Roosevelt resisted the urge

to wield the Justice Department as a political weapon.

Contrast this with Richard Nixon, whose infamous Saturday Night Massacre epitomized the dangers of presidential overreach. By ordering the firing of the Watergate special prosecutor, Nixon sought to escape accountability, triggering a constitutional crisis. Similarly, Donald Trump’s demands for loyalty from Attorneys General and his attempts to influence investigations into his administration undermined public confidence in the rule of law. These moments demonstrate the catastrophic consequences of eroding the Justice Department’s independence.

The Current Threat: An Autocratic Agenda

The President-Elect’s actions and rhetoric signal an even greater threat. Facing ongoing legal battles, including his conviction for falsifying records related to hush money payments, he appears poised to appoint an Attorney General loyal

to him rather than the Constitution. His statements suggest plans to use the Justice Department to dismantle investigations against him, prosecute political opponents, and shield his allies. It pays all of us to understand that An Independent Justice Department Defends Democracy!

What’s at stake is profound. A Justice Department subjugated to the presidency could criminalize dissent, intimidate journalists, and undermine free elections. The President-Elect’s autocratic tendencies—evident in his disregard for legal norms and willingness to stoke division for political gain—could transform the Justice Department into a tool of repression.

Why the Independence of the Justice Department Protects US Democracy

Lessons from Authoritarian Regimes

History offers chilling parallels. In Hungary, Viktor Orbán’s government manipulated judicial institutions to consolidate power, silencing opposition and eroding democracy. In Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan weaponized legal systems to imprison critics and suppress dissent. These examples illustrate how undermining judicial independence enables authoritarian control.

Preserving Democracy

To protect democracy, Congress and civil society must act decisively. Strengthening special counsel protections, increasing Justice Department oversight, and codifying independence norms into law are critical steps. Moreover, public awareness and resistance to attempts at politicization can ensure accountability.

The United States faces a pivotal moment. If the Justice Department’s independence crumbles, so does the democratic framework that safeguards individual freedoms. Americans must demand leaders who respect this cornerstone of governance.

Sources Cited

Ackerman, B. (2000). The Decline and Fall of the American Republic. Harvard University Press.

Zirin, J. (2019). Plaintiff in Chief: A Portrait of Donald Trump in 3,500 Lawsuits. Macmillan.

Post, R. (2013). Democracy, Expertise, and Academic Freedom. Yale University Press.

Suggestions for Further Reading

Impeachment: An American History by Jeffrey Engel

The Soul of America by Jon Meacham

A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership by James Comey

The People vs. Democracy by Yascha Mounk

On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder

The Federalist Papers by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay

Presidents and the Rule of Law by Alexander Keyssar

Crises of the Republic by Hannah Arendt

Watergate: The Corruption of American Politics and the Fall of Richard Nixon by Fred Emery

DISCLAIMER: The images [and videos] in this post are AI-generated creations intended purely for illustrative and conceptual purposes. They are NOT real-life representations and must not be interpreted as such. The singular purpose of the included images is to offer a visual means of exploring the ideas expressed in this post and nothing more.