Democracy it seems is hanging by a thread in the United States.
President Donald Trump’s administration seems to be running roughshod over different institutions that maintain the democratic system.
Democracy is under threat in plenty of other places across the world, with people being squeezed out of having any meaningful say in how their lives are run.
It is important to remember that democracy is a relatively recent concept.
The idea is that everyone has the right to play a part in electing a government that then serves the people. It was a hard-fought battle to win those rights.
The suffragettes, civil rights protesters and trade unions were among those who fought long and hard to get the vote.
It used to be that monarchs ruled, assisted by the other powerful factions in the land, and they ran things just as they liked. Many argue that is where things are heading now - backwards to the dictatorship of authoritarian figures ruling for themselves.
To put down sustainable, enduring roots, democracy needs an informed and educated population. It also requires people in power to deliver for the masses, not just a small elite.
Both factors are lacking today. There is a disillusionment among many regarding the political class.
The complaints are familiar: they're all the same, they're only in it for themselves, my vote doesn't make a difference... But there is a real danger that people won't realise what they have lost until it is gone.
If democracy is to survive, more people need to get actively involved. People need to be better informed and act to bring those in power to account.
There has to be a plurality that allows for all sorts of different views to be represented and heard.
Some way needs to be found to get better community representation. Political parties are becoming increasingly insular, representing a small elite.
The introduction of proportional representation would be one way to improve things. Also, a change in the way representatives are selected.
But make no mistake, democracy is under threat.
- Paul Donovan is Labour councillor for Wanstead Village ward, Redbridge Council and a blogger (paulfdonovan.blogspot.com).
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