In his first year back in the White House, Trump has presided over a sweeping expansion of executive power while eroding democratic norms.

Many scholars of democracy say that these moves are unprecedented in U.S. history and that Trump has pushed the United States toward authoritarianism.

He and his supporters counter that the Constitution provides for precisely the type of muscular presidency he is exercising and that voters gave him a mandate to enact far-reaching changes to government.

Trump remains popular with his base, but most Americans disapprove of his job performance. The president’s critics hope that waning popularity — as well as this year’s midterm elections — will provide a stronger check on Trump.