An argument or opponent set up so as to be easily refuted or defeated.
A doll or scarecrow (particularly one stuffed with straw).
An insubstantial concept, idea, endeavor or argument, particularly one deliberately set up to be weakly supported, so that it can be easily knocked down; especially to impugn the strength of any related thing or idea.
Straw man
noun
Specify how what I described is different than what you’d do then. What mechanisms or institutions would you put in place to prevent step 3?