If partisan animosity prevails over mutual toleration, those in control of congress may prioritize defense of the president over the performance of their constitutional duties. In an effort to stave off opposition victory, they may abandon their oversight role, enabling the president to get away with abusive, illegal, and even authoritarian acts. Such a transformation from watchdog into lapdog-think of Perón's acquiescent congress in Argentina or the chavista supreme court in Venezuela-can be an important enabler of authoritarian rule.
The text discusses the dangers of partisan animosity within political systems, particularly regarding the role of Congress. When mutual toleration is overshadowed by hostility, those in power may choose to protect the president instead of fulfilling their constitutional responsibilities. This dynamic can lead to a failure in oversight, allowing for the president to engage in potentially unlawful and authoritarian behaviors without accountability.
The author warns that this shift from a vigilant legislative body to one that is overly compliant can facilitate authoritarianism, drawing parallels to historical examples such as Perón’s congress in Argentina and the chavista supreme court in Venezuela. Such a transformation poses significant risks to democratic governance and the protection of civil liberties.
