That's what the Anti-Federalists wanted to avoid by opposing the Constitution, and what Venezuela has due to a recent national referendum.
This raises an uncomfortable point about democracy. Though we tend to believe that democracy allows the people to protect themselves from government, it often becomes a tool for would be tyrants. By frightening the population--sometimes focusing animosity towards competing elites--executives can persuade the public to support a reduction in their rights by promising stability and security.
It happens here too of course. Consider FDR's rhetoric, as well as W. Bush's support for expanded war times powers and the current debate about the economy.
