Right-wing gains amplified power to destroy through DOGE

TL/DR –

The article discusses the balance of political powers in the US and how that affects policy changes, with the writer arguing that the current system stagnates progress and benefits right-wing policies. The writer mentions that wealthy countries tend to increase public spending over time, known as Wagner’s law, which they suggest isn’t happening sufficiently in the US due to legislative blocks and policy drift. The writer also expresses concern over potential decreases in public sector capacity if extra-constitutional means are used to cut spending without legislation, examining possible extreme countermeasures and suggesting a parliamentary system might be more effective.

Understanding US Policy Swings and Legislative Chokepoints

In a parliamentary system, a party’s election victory grants control of legislative and executive powers, leading to significant policy swings with changes in ruling parties. In contrast, under the US presidential system, the separation of powers and legislative chokepoints, such as the Senate filibuster, greatly limit the chances for large policy shifts.

Despite matching party affiliations of the President, House, and Senate, the Senate’s complex procedures, particularly the reconciliation budget process, typically grant parties only one opportunity for major policy changes per congressional session.

Party Strategies and Direct Consequences

Historically, Republicans have utilized reconciliation opportunities to decrease taxes for corporations and the affluent during periods of party dominance. Conversely, they exploit legislative blocks to prevent tax or social spending increases under Democratic presidencies. Democrats employ a contrasting strategy, using raised revenue from the wealthy to fund new spending programs when in power, while using legislative blocks to resist steep tax cuts for the rich or federal spending reductions.

These opposing strategies have caused a near standstill in federal revenue and spending for years. However, such stagnation is a powerful tool for right-wing policy agendas, hindering necessary progress.

Understanding Wagner’s Law and Its Implication

Wagner’s law suggests that wealthier nations typically allocate a more significant portion of national income to public spending. This rise in public spending stems from the need for public goods such as health care, retirement and disability insurance, and education. As nations grow older and technology advances, spending on these public goods increases, a shift that doesn’t necessarily hinder economic growth but requires public institutions for equal wealth distribution.

Policy Drift and Its Impact

Multiple veto points in a presidential system inhibit adaptation and growth in public sector capability, leading to a phenomenon termed ‘policy drift‘. Such a situation erodes state capacity, reduces public welfare, and fuels cynicism about governmental capabilities. It also perpetuates the public perception of ineffective government due to declining public services and perceived tax injustices.

Repercussions of Unlawful Actions by the Right Wing

The right wing’s capacity to halt progress has been amplified considerably by DOGE’s unlawful actions. If allowed to use unconstitutional means to destroy established state capacity, the asymmetry between the parties’ functional power in the presidential system will amplify, causing continuous state capacity depletion even under Democratic Congressional control.

Addressing this issue without resorting to dangerous authoritarian measures is a challenge for Democrats. Taking full control of the Federal Reserve or creating an armed tax collection force are extreme and dangerous possibilities. Without drastic actions, Democrats may lose the ability to maintain a functional public sector in the face of unconstitutional actions by DOGE.

Parliamentary System vs. Separated Powers

There’s growing belief that a parliamentary system could be preferable to the US’s current system of separated powers and legislative chokepoints. Elections should have greater influence over policy content. However, the worst-case scenario is a system that allows only cuts to public capacity to bypass legislative chokepoints, while blocking expansions. This situation could lead to a constant decline in the ability of public action to address critical problems if DOGE’s decisions are upheld.

—
Read More US Economic News