When Benjamin Franklin emerged from the Constitutional Convention in 1787, he was famously asked whether the newly formed United States had a republic or a monarchy. His reply, “A republic, if you can keep it,” continues to resonate across the centuries, encapsulating the fragility and endurance of democratic systems. America, often hailed as the world’s oldest democracy and a beacon of hope and freedom, has faced numerous threats to its democratic institutions, from the Civil War in 1861 to the Capitol riots in 2021. This article explores the ongoing battle for democracy in both the United States and India, where political power struggles, party dynamics, and leadership play a pivotal role in shaping the future of these nations.
The United States’ first existential crisis came with the Civil War of 1861. Sparked by the contentious issue of slavery, the conflict tore the nation apart as several southern states seceded from the Union after President Abraham Lincoln stood firm against the institution. Over the course of four bloody years, more than half a million lives were lost. However, Lincoln’s unyielding commitment to the Union led to the defeat of the Confederacy, the preservation of the nation, and the abolition of slavery.
Lincoln’s profound words continue to echo through history: “A nation cannot remain half-slave and half-free… The people are the rightful masters of both Congresses and courts—not to overthrow the Constitution, but to overthrow the men who pervert it.” His leadership and vision saved the United States from disintegration and preserved the republic, reinforcing the idea that democracy is, indeed, worth fighting for.
Fast forward to January 2021, and the United States once again faced a perilous moment in its democratic journey. The storming of the Capitol, incited by then-President Donald Trump, marked the first time in modern history that a sitting president had refused to concede electoral defeat. Trump’s claims of election fraud and subsequent calls for action led to his second impeachment for inciting insurrection, further highlighting the importance of peaceful transitions of power in a functioning democracy.
Despite this dark chapter, the United States did not fall into the abyss. The institutions held firm, and Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th president. However, the looming presence of Trump in American politics remains a divisive force. With the 2024 election approaching, Trump’s influence over the Republican Party, despite being a convicted felon, raises questions about the future of American democracy. His potential return to power has led many to fear that the republic, already tested, may once again come dangerously close to the precipice.
Amid the political turbulence, Vice President Kamala Harris has emerged as a central figure in the Democratic Party. With President Biden facing criticism for his debate performance and leadership, calls for Harris to replace him on the Democratic ticket have grown louder. Her diverse background, being of African and Indian descent, and her rise through the ranks, represent a possible new era for American politics. If elected, Harris would not only be the first woman to hold the presidency but also a symbol of America’s enduring capacity for change.
While the United States grapples with the aftershocks of the Trump presidency, India faces its own democratic challenges under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During Modi’s first two terms, global democracy watchers raised concerns about India’s slide into what some described as “electoral autocracy.” Modi’s government has been criticized for using investigative agencies to target opposition leaders, journalists, and activists critical of his rule. Many observers argue that the secular fabric of India is being replaced by a de facto Hindu Rashtra, relegating Muslims and Dalits to second-class citizenship.
The judiciary, too, has come under scrutiny for allegedly being too closely aligned with the executive, and the fear of a constitutional amendment to abolish reservations has taken hold among marginalized groups. Modi’s tenure, much like Trump’s, has polarized society and raised questions about the future of Indian democracy.
One of the critical takeaways from both the US and Indian political landscapes is the importance of inner-party democracy. In the US, Trump’s nomination as the Republican candidate was the result of hard-fought primaries, showcasing a system where party members have a say in their leadership. In contrast, Indian political parties are often ruled by powerful leaders or families, with little to no opportunity for genuine dissent.
Whether it is the Congress Party, where the Gandhi family still holds sway, or regional parties like the Shiv Sena and TMC, Indian politics lacks the robust mechanisms for inner-party democracy seen in the US. Without such structures, it becomes difficult to maintain a vibrant and representative democracy where differing viewpoints are respected and debated.
Despite these challenges, one thing remains true for both nations: the electoral process itself remains a bulwark against authoritarianism. In India, even under Modi’s leadership, elections have largely been free and fair. The sheer scale of India’s democratic apparatus makes it difficult for any one leader to manipulate the system entirely. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, for example, despite concerns of bias, the BJP faced significant losses, including in Ayodhya, the seat of the Ram Mandir, underscoring the resilience of the electoral process.
As Franklin’s famous words remind us, a republic can only survive if its citizens actively engage in preserving it. In both the United States and India, the struggle to maintain democratic principles is ongoing. While leaders may attempt to consolidate power, the ultimate test lies in the ability of institutions, parties, and the electorate to resist authoritarian tendencies. Whether in Washington or New Delhi, the fate of democracy rests on the willingness of the people to stand up for the republic and its values.
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