Markup View

Author: WeAreAllKosh

Apr 7th 2013 at 2:37:47 AM

One thing that does happen in real life (and is observed by Generational Theory) is that during crisis periods "extreme measures" are more likely to be taken by governments, and accepted by more of the people. Two US Presidents that have most often been critiqued as quasi-dictatorial (going particularly beyond the usual constraints and checks) in hindsight were AbrahamLincoln and FranklinRoosevelt--who were also fairly popular (though by no means non-controversial--they most certainly had their enemies), and largely allowed to be "clothed in immense power" due to the very perilous crises the country faced during their terms. Political pressure actually compelled branches or figures that would otherwise check these executives, to allow more of a free hand to find a way out of the crisis--even granting more patience for trial and error (as in FDR's case dealing with the Great Depression).

Now, given that a lot of drama is naturally set in periods of great conflict or crisis, chances are that leaders in such dramas may assume and be allowed similar powers. Some may be portrayed to truly have the best interests of their people and country in mind (often agonizing over their stark decisions), others... not so much. As in real life, it can go either way.