Today, Americans from all political perspectives are frustrated with our democracy. Many believe that corporate money and entrenched power have hollowed out our system, leaving politicians disconnected from the people they’re meant to serve. I can’t say I disagree–moneyed interests wield far too much influence, and our government often seems more responsive to donors than to voters. But if we’re going to fix these problems, we need to strengthen our democratic institutions, not abandon them.

The danger of throwing out our system is real. As Umberto Eco warned in his essay Ur-Fascism, societies often slide toward authoritarianism when people become disillusioned with democracy. Trump’s rhetoric and policies reflect several of Eco’s fascist markers, from a “cult of tradition” that glorifies an exclusionary past to a “fear of difference” that targets immigrants and religious minorities. His “cult of heroism,” positioning himself as the one savior who can “fix” America, undermines our democratic institutions and foments division.

Eco also described “action for action’s sake” and disdain for intellectualism, both present in Trump’s impulsive, anti-science policies. This approach doesn’t improve democracy; it weakens it by pushing citizens into blind allegiance instead of informed civic engagement.

If we want real change, we need positive reforms that make our government more transparent, responsive, and accountable. The For the People Act (H.R. 1) offers such a solution by addressing key areas in our electoral process:

• Voter Access and Election Integrity: While Minnesota has made strides in early voting, H.R. 1 could benefit Minnesotans by making Election Day a federal holiday, ensuring that work schedules do not limit access to the ballot box. Additionally, it would standardize access to mail-in ballots across states, removing barriers for voters unable to reach the polls in person.

• Campaign Finance Reform: H.R. 1 would reduce the influence of big money in politics by increasing transparency in political donations and creating a public financing system to amplify small donations.

• Government Ethics and Accountability: The bill includes provisions to prevent conflicts of interest and make it easier to hold public officials accountable for abuses of power.

These reforms represent real steps toward restoring a government of, by, and for the people, where citizens–not corporations or political elites–drive policy. Discontent with democracy’s flaws should motivate us to improve it, not destroy it.

H.R. 1, introduced by Democrats, was supported by the party’s majority but faced opposition from nearly all Republicans.

We need to build on our democratic foundations, not surrender to despair.

— Preston Evan Meyer is a resident of Nicollet