Peter Berkowitz highlights the deep polarization within the United States in the lead-up to a critical presidential election. The country is facing intense sentiments of both hope and doom, generating a significant divide where roughly half the population perceives that a catastrophe has been narrowly avoided, while the other half feels that all is lost. This pervasive atmosphere of desperation and fear is particularly evident among the intellectual classes on both the right and left, each viewing the opposing political camp as inherently dishonest and malevolent, posing a serious threat to the nation’s democratic fabric. Such deep-seated animosity undermines the essential spirit of liberal democracy, which relies on a sense of shared purpose, mutual respect, and commitment to civil discourse among citizens.
For a rights-protecting and liberal democracy to thrive, it is vital for citizens to consider themselves part of a common enterprise. A successful democratic society hinges on shared language, core moral principles, and mutual pride in national accomplishments, alongside an acknowledgment of flaws and the pursuit of justice. Citizens must trust that by adhering to societal norms, others will do the same. A broader commitment to individual liberations must remain intact and manifest in robust toleration and civility, or else the risk of devolving into authoritarianism looms large. The challenges of fostering unity amid diversity—where individuals leverage their rights to pursue distinct paths—necessitate an educational framework that emphasizes citizenship’s collective responsibility to sustain a political order conducive to peaceful disagreement and the deliberation of fundamental moral questions.
Berkowitz draws attention to the emerging threat posed by calls to abolish the Constitution, which serves as the formal embodiment of America’s dedication to equal liberty under law. While the Constitution’s interpretations may be up for debate, certain progressive voices advocate for a complete rejection of it. For instance, Harvard and Yale law professors have publicly declared that to save democracy, America must move beyond constitutionalism. Concurrently, the “new right,” combining national and common-good conservatives, echoes similar sentiments, lamenting classical liberalism as a root cause of the nation’s troubles while indirectly siding with progressive critiques of the Constitution.
In light of these challenges, Berkowitz points out the efforts of conservative intellectuals who advocate for a resurgence of constitutional principles as a solution to America’s democratic crisis. These conservative thinkers, often versed in history and political philosophy, tend to support figures like Donald Trump while acknowledging his controversial aspects. In the October issue of “The New Criterion,” Roger Kimball delineates the internal pressures Democracy faces today. He contends that the left has gained radical momentum, largely in reaction to significant political shifts exemplified by Obama’s election and the rise of Trump. This radicalized left combines accusations against Trump with accusations against the Constitution itself—viewing the latter as a detrimental barrier to democratic progress.
The symposium contributors emphasize that the issues afflicting the nation are largely rooted in dismissals of the Constitution rather than inherent flaws within it. They advocate a revival of respect for the law’s spirit and structure and cite the role of independent societal institutions—families, faith, and civic associations—as crucial for safeguarding freedom. Varying voices, such as Victor Davis Hanson, argue that America’s deviation from its constitutional design has led to direct democratic practices that undermine individual rights while other contributors like Daniel Mahoney articulate how progressive views of democracy threaten the foundational moral fabric necessary for self-governance.
Kimball ultimately speculates on the future of conservatism amidst what he perceives as a progressive onslaught, highlighting three potential responses: outright surrender, complacency that trades relevance for comfort, or a more activist conservatism that embraces the fight for constitutional principles. He favors the latter, suggesting that a proactive stance centered around defending core constitutional values is essential for not only winning political battles but also for reviving the communal spirit that underscores America’s commitment to liberty under law. In this vision, Berkowitz stresses the importance for conservatives to re-engage with and uphold the foundational ideals of democracy that ensure both the protection of rights and the future of democratic governance in America.