Donald Trump’s presidency did not occur in a vacuum. In a democracy, leadership is not merely the product of those who cast votes for a candidate, but the culmination of societal forces, historical inequities, and collective inaction.
While it is tempting to place blame solely on the individuals who supported Trump at the polls, the reality is far more complicated. By examining voter apathy, entrenched inequities, the modern media landscape, and outdated institutional structures, it becomes evident that each American plays some role in the broader public responsibility for enabling Trump’s rise, and for the subsequent damage wrought by his administration.
THE SOCIAL CONTRACT AND CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT
At the heart of any democracy lies a social contract. Citizens agree to remain informed, v