As political and economic power in the United States becomes increasingly centralized, it is apparent that we are witnessing a gathering storm – a new system that unapologetically merges elements of feudalism and fascism – a modern hybrid that we can accurately refer to as American FeudoFascism.
The following is an overview of full-on American FeudoFascism and a brief look into what the founders of the United States would think of this scenario. If we are to be wise, we must not only view the perspectives of the nation’s founders as valuable insights into the implications for our future but also recognize our own power to shape that future. We are not mere spectators. We the People are active participants in the course of our nation's governance.
The Characteristics of American FeudalFascism
A reality spun around a central figure – a President with near monarchical powers – one who wields significant authority without the traditional checks and balances of Congress and the judiciary. This centralization of power will undoubtedly undermine the foundation of the American republic, where the separation of powers was established to prevent any single branch of government from dominating the others and the American people.
- Obedient Congress and Court
An authoritarian executive paired with a submissive Congress and Court is sure to undermine the crucial checks and balances that protect us from tyranny. The Founding Fathers knew the dangers of unchecked power, having fought a decisive revolution against a monarch who trampled the colonies' rights. Moreover, let us not be confused, for when the day comes wherein Congress and the Court acquiesce to a powerful executive, reversing the descent into authoritarianism will demand a fierce, unwavering, and painful fight.
A victory for "States' Rights" would establish a system where states have significant autonomy, like feudal territories where regional lords hold substantial power over their lands while remaining loyal to their king. This shift would undoubtedly fragment our nation into a patchwork of regional powers. States will either align with or resist the central government based on their loyalty to the authoritarian executive. In turn, we would face a dangerous dynamic wherein some states become subservient to the national regime while others stand in opposition. We must recognize the risks of such division.
One of the primary features of fascism is the fusion of state and corporate power, where the interests of each become all but indistinguishable. This arran
gement, Corporatism, inherently prioritizes profit over people and security over freedom. Additionally, it creates a political climate where dissent is suppressed in the name of national unity – where institutions meant to hold power accountable, like a free press, face the risk of being co-opted or silenced while public trust is assailed and power concentrated in the hands of a select elite.
Perspectives of Founders
- Betrayal of the Constitution
The founders of the United States, especially those who argued for and supported the Constitution, would see FeudoFascism as an utter violation of the principles established in our founding document. The separation of powers, federalism, and individual rights were intended to prevent this type of power accumulation and the resulting decline of democratic governance.
James Madison’s Warning: James Madison, often called the "Father of the Constitution," cautioned against the risks of factions and the centralization of power. He believed that a large republic, with its diverse interests and multiple layers of government, would serve as a protection against tyranny. Our hybrid FeudoFascism model would contradict Madison’s vision, as it would concentrate power in a manner he and his contemporaries feared.
- Fear of Monarchy and Despotism
The founders had a strong distrust of monarchy and centralized executive power. Their experiences under British rule, where a distant monarch and an obedient Parliament imposed taxes and laws on the colonies without their consent, influenced their vision of a government responsible to the people. The concept of an authoritarian President would be repugnant to them – it would embody the exact form of tyranny they aimed to prevent.
Thomas Jefferson’s View: Thomas Jefferson believed in the importance of an educated and vigilant citizenry capable of holding their leaders accountable. He would likely argue that FeudoFascism represents a failure of the people to fulfill their duty to safeguard their liberties, leading to the rise of a tyrannical government.
Liberty was central to the founders' vision for America. FeudoFascism would undoubtedly result in a reduction of individual freedoms as the central authority and the feudal-like states impose their will on the people. The founders, who fought a revolution to secure their liberties, would view this as a tragic regression and a return to the kind of oppressive government they had sought to escape.
Alexander Hamilton’s Fear: Even though he was a Federalist and supported a strong central government, Alexander Hamilton would likely be appalled by the unrestrained power of a fascist President. He believed in robust executive leadership, but only within the confines of constitutional limits and with effective checks from the other branches of government.
Conclusion
The very idea of American FuedoFascism should be enough to remind all citizens that maintaining liberty and democracy requires ongoing vigilance, active participation, and a commitment to the principles that have sustained the nation for over two centuries.
Unfortunately, American FeudoFascism represents a plausible future for the United States, merging not-so-hard-to-imagine characteristics into a new and unprecedented form of governance that would mark a significant departure from the constitutional republic established by its founders. To be sure, the founders of the United States would view American FeudoFascism as a complete failure of their experiment in self-government.
