San Diego (KSWB/KUSI) – As a city across the country, including San Diego, this weekend’s “No Kings” protests, organizers and political analysts are garnering a keen comparison between democratically elected leaders like the US president.
More than 1,500 protests are scheduled for Saturday. They are part of a national movement that aims to reaffirm democratic principles and oppose what organizers describe as fascinated by an authoritarian leadership style.
Ironically, the demonstrations coincided with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the US Army, on the same day as the planned military parade in Washington, DC. Some people argue that the parade is not making good use of taxpayer money, according to a recent AP-NORC poll. Nevertheless, the parade of the country’s capitals is expected to continue.
Live Update: Thousands Take to Los Angeles Area Street to “No Kings” Anti-Trump Protest
Meanwhile, protesters have targeted Trump administration policies, particularly aggressive immigration enforcement, following the famous attacks by US immigration and customs enforcement, such as San Diego’s South Park. Additionally, the militarization of Los Angeles has heightened tensions, and the deployment of Marines linked to protest and ice support has increased tensions. Furthermore, federal employment cuts from recent executive orders have sparked a backlash against job security and government efficiency.
Some are wondering about the planned protests highlighting the severe disparities between governance styles. What is the difference between the rules of democracy and authoritarianism?
Democracy vs authoritarianism
Democracy, like the United States, operates in a system of checks and balance in which power is distributed between elected officials, independent courts and the free press. In contrast, the authoritarian regime integrates the powers in the opposite hands of a single ruler or small elite, limiting civil liberties and tightly controlling the media narrative, as further explained in the academic journal “The Paradox of Information Management Under Authoritarianism.”
While the US president holds important powers, the commander of the Chief’s powers is constrained by the people through the constitution, Congress, the courts and ultimately regular elections. This model is in stark contrast to authoritarian leaders who often take office through manipulated elections, constitutional change, or perfect force.
Who supports the authoritarian system?
A 2019 Pew Research Center survey found that countries where democratic values such as fair courts, freedom of speech and equal rights are important are more likely to support a strong leader or military control instead of democracy.
Another Pew Research Center survey from 2024 found that a median of 31% in 24 countries favored the authoritarian system, with more support in middle-income countries than in high-income countries.
Researchers found that people on the right side of the ideology are more likely than people on the centre or left side to support the authoritarian system. Regarding the United States, only 32% of respondents who expressed that a strong leader or military was a good way to govern the country.
It is linked to the “no king” protest
As organizers explained, at the heart of the “King” protest is growing concern among critics that Trump’s political actions reflect that of an authoritarian leader, known for strengthening power, restraining objections and undermining democratic norms.
On the other side, Trump and his supporters have dismissed these criticisms, claiming he is simply fighting corrupt facilities and using the tools available as an elected leader. They argue that the accusations are politically motivated and intended to divert from policy issues. Another argument is that Trump was elected not just once, but twice, by people who reflected democracy through the voting system.
Meanwhile, political analysts pointed out that while Democratic presidents may be strongly willing or controversial, their power remains limited by the design of checks and balance systems. Monarchies – a system of government governed by a single person, typically a king or queen – ended in America in a revolutionary war. This means that there is no king in the US rule, at least because it stands legally under the constitution.
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