Institutions
Some people hear the word "institutions" in a negative way. The reality is that 250 years of learning is built into the institutions and norms that make American democracy work.
Separation of Powers
With the exception of the Constitution itself, no principle is more fundamental than the separation of powers. Congress makes the laws and controls the budget ("the purse"). The Executive Branch enforces the laws, sets foreign policy, and directs the military. The Judicial Branch interprets the laws, and its Supreme Court makes final decisions of what is and is not legal or demanded by the laws of the country. Disrespecting the separation of powers disrespects the citizens of the United States.
Elections and the Peaceful Transfer of Power
Until January 6, no country in the world demonstrated greater respect for the peaceful transfer of power, or peacefully executed that transfer in such a consequential way. Our laws are written in ways that intentionally disburse responsibilities--the conduct of elections, counting the votes, certifying the results, declaring the results, and executing the transfer. There is great wisdom in the disbursement of these functions.
President George Washington set the model for the peaceful transfer of power. The nation re-affirmed the model with the 22nd Amendment. Until the 2020 election, there was great respect from all candidates for the process, and respect for the result. Those who disrespect the process should be subjected to the discipline of the law.
Political Versus Professional Appointments
The allegation of the so-called "deep state" is a massive act of disrespect for the professionals who, for less money they could make elsewhere, for little fame or recognition, make the practical and fact-based decisions of everyday government. It is their collective efforts, along with those of enterprising Americans from all corners of the country, who make our country great.
There's a reason that some senior government positions are political appointees, and others are professional appointees. Political appointees make sure elections have consequences. The most senior positions are subject to Senate confirmation, one of our government's checks-and-balances. Professional appointees bring long-term institutional knowledge. They are a guard against political whims colliding with the world's hard realities.
Our civil servants, like our government officials, take an oath to the Constitution of the United States. They should be honored and respected.
Majority Rule, Minority Rights
Every person and group in the United States has at some point been in the minority. Control of Congress, the Executive Branch, and the Courts changes. People serving on Boards, on committees, or even just in work groups find themselves out of sync with the larger group. When that happens, minority rights suddenly become really important. Why? Because majorities can become dictators too--the "tyranny of the majority"--forgetting the basic human rights and the respect due all people. Our founders recognized this. They addressed it not only out of fairness. An angry minority with no way to seek change is a dangerous thing. This principle has served us well for 250 years. It has led to fundamental rights for women, for African-Americans, and numerous other groups just trying to live their lives in the way best for them. Majority rule with minority rights preserves domestic tranquility, which is a fancy way of saying it keeps the peace.