Every aspect of US government is crafted to create a positive feedback loop that inhibits authoritarian and extractive institutions from even forming. This 'Virtuous Circle' isn't just the checks and balances or term limits. This feedback loop also includes the right to peacefully assemble, the right to free speech, and a free press; Protections against unwarranted search and seizure, protections of private property; Protections on the right to keep and bear arms; and Protections under the 9th and 10th Amendments.

A free press is an essential component of this Virtuous Circle in that it influences every other component. If you can't convince people to vote to restrict their 1A and 2A rights, given them a decade of media gaslighting and they'll willingly surrender those rights . . . knocking out a key part of the Virtuous Circle.

The more our lying Press corrupts the Virtuous Circle, the less effective the positive feedback loop becomes. Eventually, it'll stop working completely.