In 1776, USA was in a divisive state. The Americans who supported a separation from Britain were only 30% of the population.

30% of eligible voters in Virginia supported a political party that is working towards a coup. By all theories of political accountability, that support should have dropped to 10%, giving that party a democratic clue that it needs to change its ways.

Ten years ago, we were not talking about things like coups. Now we are. The radical left of the 1960s was never in any position to take over.

I don't believe the unrest will entail great armies meeting on battlefields. It will be mostly urban militias taking potshots at each other, with civil forces trying to keep some peace--and maybe siding with one militia over the other.

Unlike other citizenry around the world, Americans will not be psychologically subdued when the coup happens. Lots of violence. But the economy will move on; most Americans will survive.