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So, I have a rather simple question.

Could a Republic in the late 18th or early 19th centuries, such as the United States become a 'Presidential Dictatorship', with said President eventually proclaiming themselves 'President For Life' and then passing on the Presidency to their eldest son when they die?

They might even name their son Vice President or something to strengthen their legitimacy. Now, after a long enough period, do you think it is possible for this Hereditary Presidency to acknowledge itself as a full blown Monarchy and restyle it's image appropriately (either as King or Emperor depending on it's size and power)?

I'm talking well into the 20th century here if need be. In any case, this could even be in conjunction with democratic reforms ironically enough. The last in a long line of hereditary President-For-Lifes decides to restore democracy, but instead transforms his title into a ceremonial Constitutional Monarchy. This allows him to remain in power in some capacity while the people finally get their elected official. Think of it like Spain, almost.

Would either of those scenarios work over a long period of time? Presuming this causes quite a few butterflies in the world in general.
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