Marin Voice: Teaching about democracy, autocracy and the 2024 election

Depending on your point of view, we may or may not be on the precipice of autocracy. However, this election does raise serious questions regarding conflicts between authoritarian and democratic points of view and goals.

Former President Donald Trump’s words about what he might do are documented. Whether his words reflect his aspirations or plans of what he will do if elected is both debatable and unknown.

In any case, this election is an especially important one with respect to the future of our democracy.

As a teacher, using the classroom as a bully pulpit is inappropriate. However, every social studies program should have students examine the issues related to potential threats to democracy. It is important to teach students to understand whether the present election raises major issues about democracy and autocracy and what those terms mean.

The title of Howard Zinn’s 2018 says it well: “You Can’t Be Neutral on a Moving Train.” Teachers have a responsibility to have students be aware of threats to preserving a democratic way of life. They need to fully understand what it means to live in a democracy as opposed to living in an autocracy. They need to understand what’s happening right now and their own potential to affect the process.

I’d begin a social studies unit on this topic with an excerpt from historian Timothy Snyder’s best-selling and highly respected book “On Tyranny” (find the expert online at bit.ly/4fKV4Kw). Then follow up by having them examine two quotes from Donald Trump.

“I am your warrior. I am your justice,” Trump said at a rally in Waco, Texas last year. “And for those who have been wronged and betrayed – I am your retribution.”

Then, at a rally in December, Trump extrapolated about his disappointment regarding some Democratic Party pushback by saying he would “want to be a dictator for one day,” apparently to make unilateral decisions about his favorite projects.

Here are some possible follow-up questions for student small group discussions.  Do Snyder’s warnings apply to these statements? Do these statements suggest autocratic attitudes and/or goals? Are these statements a reason for concern or are they just political rhetoric? Is Trump’s expressed desire for one day as dictator really a threat to democracy?

Another idea for a class project comes from an article published on the New York Times website June 21 with the headline, “How Misleading Videos Are Trailing Biden as He Battles Age Doubts.” It shows how some conservative news outlets were snipping videos or cropping photos to make it appear President Joe Biden was lost or feeble during public appearances.

Have them discuss how information can be distorted. Considering the practice in light of the statement by Michelle Obama in 2016, “When someone is cruel or acts like a bully you don’t stoop to their level. No, our motto is, ‘When they go low, we go high.’”

Ask the students if they think some cropping or snipping is “going low” or if it’s justified. Have them also discuss whether they think that all political advertising is biased.

Students could examine the Supreme Court decision that provides immunity for presidents from laws and have them read and discuss excerpts from Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s dissent from the majority.

Is there a danger to democracy when the Supreme Court, Congress and the president are all aligned with one political party?  Is it constitutionally permissible?

Finally, have them read unbiased news articles about “Project 2025,” the ultra-conservative Heritage Foundation’s guide for the next president. Discuss whether they see this initiative as a threat to democracy and the reasons for their thoughts. Have them also read and analyze the latest news reports covering any controversy about the present candidates’ responses.

I’d also raise two questions that are rarely raised with students. Do they think teachers should be totally neutral when they present a topic like this one? Do they think you’ve handled the issues appropriately?

It’s up to you to help create an environment in which they feel safe to be critical of you and to be able to accept their responses nondefensively. That could be an excellent way to end the unit.

Mark Phillips of Woodacre is a professor emeritus of education at San Francisco State University.