Huey Long Threats To Government

There are many factors that are seen as threats to the United States’ welfare. More specifically, demagogues are often seen as threats to our democracy. These individuals seek support by appealing to emotions, popular desires, and prejudices—rather than by rational argument. During the Great Depression there was a remarkable and powerful, Huey Long. He was the governor of Louisiana, and a presidential candidate in the 1932 presidential election. He was known for his populist ideology and abuse of power. Due to his ability to have control and power in politics, people question whether the constitutional system of separated institutions sharing powers is sufficient enough to guard against the dangers of political power populist demagogues hold. However, our system has the ability to guard against such …show more content…
Madison’s Federalist 51 argued for separation of powers and checks and balances, both within national government and between the national and state governments. Madison’s suggestions are seen in the Constitution in Articles 1, 2, and 3. These Articles in the Constitution, describe the roles of each branch of government. Through our three branches of government, they have the ability to check on each other in order to prevent any branch from gaining too much power. The president can veto laws proposed by Congress, the Supreme Court can check the constitutionality of a law, and Congress can impeach the president. The president has the power to nominate someone to the Superior Court, but Senate has to confirm the appointment. In fact, Madison believed that the way to keep politicians honest was by “pitting politicians against one another through the mutual vetoes embedded in the Constitution” (K.J.K.V 72). Consequently, demagogues, like Long, are not able to exercise a lot of power and implement laws and proposals that follow their agenda. There are barriers that maintain