For most of history, the world was ruled by kings. Kings were special because no matter what they did, they could never go on trialA trial is where two people or two groups of people argue in a court. or be removed from power.

American presidentsThe only one she did not actually meet was Lyndon B Johnson., however, have always been different. But perhaps not much longer.

On 1 July the US Supreme CourtThe highest court within the hierarchy of courts in most legal jurisdictions. made a decision that critics say changes the US constitutionA document that sets out the fundamental rules according to which a country is governed, which are usually difficult to change..

The Court ruled that the president cannot be prosecutedThe start of legal proceedings that aim to prove that someone has committed a crime. for any action they take as part of their official dutiesResponsibilities, or tasks you must complete as part of a job. as president.

They could be charged for any actions they did outside of their presidential duties. But the Court says it should always be assumed the president is immuneAble to avoid particular infection. until proven otherwise.

The Court says the president needs immunity to stop the government that follows from targeting them over their politics.

But opponents say the decision changes the whole US political system.

If Donald TrumpAn American television personality who became US president from 2016 to 2020, and will become president again in January 2025. wins the presidential electionA vote in which someone is chosen to represent a group of people. in November, he will be far more powerful than he was last time he was president.

Some, including supreme court justicesThe nine members of the Supreme Court are known as justices. One is appointed to be their head, or Chief Justice. who did not agree with the ruling, fear that a president could even get away with ordering that other politicians be killed. Potentially, they could even take bribes or organise a military takeover.

But others think the problem is bigger than Trump. Perhaps the next president will have even more ideas about how to change America. And now they could have the power to make those changes happen.

Has the Supreme Court put him above the law?

Yes! All Trump has to do now is say "as President, I command you to..." before any sentence, and he can do what he likes. He will be a dictatorA ruler who has total power, and has often taken power by force. .

No! We are living in a divided age. This new ruling stops new presidents from accusing old ones of taking part in crimes. The president needs to be protected.