massive economic risks that are often associated with autocratic regimes; constraints placed on the economy in democracies are in fact the conduits for its steady success.

Thus, American businesses are directly affected by and should be invested in the promotion of liberal democracy. They also have a direct link to approximately 85% of American workers, indicating not only a responsibility to employees but an opportunity for profound influence on the American population and global community.

Civic learning workshops show promise in training employees to combat the identified threats to democracy. Seminars, covering topics ranging from the value of election participation and reacting to disinformation to tackling hate speech and the nuances of digital culture, “have become a way to ensure healthier relationships at the workplace, and in society at large” (Eddy, Melissa).

These workshops have been widely implemented across Germany, and a few other non-partisan organizations have taken up similar work in the United States (e.g. Leadership Now Project). Some corporations have even mandated these often eight week-long seminars as an integral step in training.

Whether optative or required, such seminars have a significant impact on cultivating a more cohesive, inclusive work environment in which employees report feeling an increased sense of confidence. Although the curriculum may vary, there is a common focus on instilling media literacy skills—showing disinformation posts online and opening up a forum for discussion—and understanding government and voting processes / the capacity for employees to act.

The workshops promote trust: centered in the workplace / corporate culture and in the government. The Pew Research Center found that, as of 2023, only 17% of Americans trust Washington D.C. officials to “do the right thing.” Business, on the other hand, “is the only institution seen as competent and ethical” (Edelman). A report by the Edelman Trust Barometer further demonstrates that the American public believes that “CEOs are obligated to improve economic optimism and hold divisive forces accountable.

“Also head lines of this have anathor story “The Washington Post — and its star reporters and editors — was the organization that exposed the lies and deceit of the Nixon White House. Nixon and his staff attempted to use the power of the presidency to thwart the electoral process. Later, they attempted to cover up their crimes.

Nixon resigned in 1974, after which his successor, a decent guy named Gerald Ford, said: “My fellow Americans, our long national nightmare is over.”

Ford, Nixon and most of the others are dead now. They would never have believed that barely 50 years later, our national nightmare would be in full swing — and would threaten to destroy the political system that has been the envy of the world.

Our Constitution says that if you attempt to overthrow the government, then you can’t come back and try to be part of it. This amendment — crafted to keep former Confederates out of office — is plain in its meaning.

To strict constructionists of the Constitution, it means just what it says.

The problem is, the darkness that the Post warns against has produced an electorate that seems to not care about the truth and will believe a lie no matter how outrageous.”