Interesting read. Basic conclusion from 2015 is that a presidential system is inherently flawed and systemic forces are pushing us toward repeated high-stakes crises. An accurate read of the situation at the time.

With that in mind, it’s interesting that the author minimized the likelihood of a coup. The natural outcome of increased power in the executive, increased gridlock in Congress, historically low approval of Congress, and the expectation that presidents are held accountable by the citizenry for the state of the country (all things that were cited in the essay) is an executive who decides to bypass Congress in bigger and bigger ways in order to get things done.

What’s a bit surprising is the majority in Congress supporting and welcoming that move.