Is Your President a King?
The "No Kings" slogan is powerful. But is it accurate? Let's look at what real monarchy means.
Monarch vs. President
Source of Power
King:
Inheritance
President:
The People
Accountability
King:
Divine Right (God)
President:
The Constitution
Term Limits
King:
Reign for Life
President:
Two Terms Max
Law Making
King:
Absolute Decree
President:
Requires Congress
A Gallery of Unchecked Power
Click a name to see what absolute authority looks like.
King John
King Charles VI
King Leopold II
Ivan the Terrible
King Christian VII
Flawed, Yes. Tyrannical, No.
U.S. presidents have made questionable calls. But the system is designed to prevent true tyranny.
The Courts
No president is above the law.
Congress
Legislative branch provides checks and balances.
The People
Voters ultimately decide who holds office.
Number of U.S. presidents who murdered family members to secure power: 0.
Words Matter.
History isn't a vibe. It's a collection of facts. Let's demand better from our leaders, and from our own arguments.