So, the loser-leader and his or her pals cannot sway enough people to vote for their position. The toolbox is still full of unused tactics for just such predicaments. Now, before we get into the specifics, understand that the founders were aware of many underhanded tactics of authoritarians and wrote the Constitution, hoping to thwart these heavy-handed moves. 

One failsafe for the preservation of our Representative Republic is the Electoral College. Its design and purpose is brilliant and serves as a roadblock to the “smartest people in the room” from overtaking the country. Having said this, look for people trying to overthrow the Electoral College, and you’ll find authoritarianism at work.

Changing the Rules:

In 2013, Senate Majority leader Harry Reid invoked the “Nuclear Option,” which changed the need for 60 votes to close debate and nominate a Judicial seat. This meant that a simple majority of 51 would suffice. It worked for the time, but in 2020, this simple majority “change” meant that it only takes 51 votes to confirm a US Supreme Court Justice. Oops! These roadblocks are there for a reason, and it should be difficult to get things passed.

Packing the Court:

We’ve heard of this recently, but it goes all the way back to the 1930s with President Roosevelt (as well as several of the loser-leaders highlighted in this book). After his 2^nd Bill of Rights failed, he attempted to add Supreme Court Justices (as many as six). We’ll see what happens in the coming years but packing the court is the sign of an authoritarian with a minority of support.