The U.S. Is Broken. What's Next?

The Problem of Centralized Power

The United States is facing a crisis that goes beyond the surface-level issues often discussed in the media. The constitutional order, which was meant to safeguard the balance of power among the branches of government, has been significantly disrupted. A president who operates without regard for the law, supported by a Congress that lacks the will to act and a Supreme Court that leans heavily to one side, has created an environment where the principles of democracy are under threat. The recent demolition of the White House East Wing, carried out without public notice or review, serves as a stark symbol of this growing authoritarian trend.

This situation is not new; its roots stretch back to the very foundation of the nation. Initially, the United States functioned as a loose alliance of states under the Articles of Confederation, granting them considerable autonomy. However, the financial elite in the Northeast, who were owed war debts, sought payment in gold and silver. In contrast, the states, where a form of democracy existed, preferred using paper money. This conflict reached a boiling point with Shay’s Rebellion, which led to the creation of the Constitutional Convention. Led by figures like Alexander Hamilton, the convention established a powerful federal government designed to control the states and facilitate westward expansion.

Over time, the federal government expanded its influence through military campaigns against indigenous populations and by subsidizing infrastructure projects such as railroads. These actions were crucial in building a continental empire. As the U.S. grew, it extended its reach globally, creating the largest empire in history, all sustained by the centralized power structure established by the Constitution.

A Vision for a Continental Confederation

Historian William Appleman Williams recognized the trajectory of increasing centralization of power. In the 1950s, he was part of a group known as the revisionists, who challenged the notion of American exceptionalism. Instead, they argued that the U.S. was an empire like any other, driven by its own expansion. The Constitution, they contended, was the instrument that enabled this imperial growth.

In his later years, Williams proposed a return to the decentralized roots of the nation. He envisioned a confederation of regional commonwealths, each focused on self-sustaining economies that served social needs. His ideas, outlined in his 1976 book America Confronts a Revolutionary World, called for a return to the Articles of Confederation, which he believed provided a model for a more democratic and equitable society.

Williams' vision remains relevant today, especially as democracy faces threats from authoritarian forces. The current political climate, marked by vote suppression, gerrymandering, and a right-wing Supreme Court, underscores the need for a shift toward a more decentralized system. By focusing on local communities, we can build a stronger foundation for progressive change.

Focusing Our Efforts on States and Cities

The push for consolidation of authoritarian power is well underway, making Williams’ vision for a decentralized order more pertinent than ever. The distribution of power at the state and local levels is critical in resisting this tide. States like California, Oregon, and Illinois have taken steps to resist federal interventions, while many state attorneys general have filed lawsuits against policies that violate the law.

Despite these efforts, the threat of a rightist, authoritarian government remains. The potential for a Supreme Court ruling that favors such a government could lead to increased tensions between states and the federal government. Events like No Kings Day, which drew millions of participants, highlight the energy and desire for change. However, simply restoring some balance at the federal level will not address the deeper structural issues of overcentralized power.

Building Progressive Power at the Grassroots Level

The logical course of action, as emphasized in previous discussions, is to concentrate efforts on taking power in cities and states. This involves grassroots organizing and developing agendas that meet the needs of local communities. While it is important to continue efforts at the federal level, building new power at the state and local levels is essential for long-term change.

Williams’ vision of a continental confederation may seem distant, but it provides a necessary framework for future progress. The United States is indeed broken, and considering a more decentralized democratic order may be the path forward. By focusing on regional commonwealths and local governance, we can work towards a more equitable and democratic society.