Podcast
Questions and Answers
How do today's demagogues come into power?
How do today's demagogues come into power?
By aligning themselves with established politicians who are losing support from voters.
What are the four warning signs of dangerous demagogues?
What are the four warning signs of dangerous demagogues?
How are political parties 'gatekeepers' of democracy?
How are political parties 'gatekeepers' of democracy?
They determine who is allowed to enter mainstream politics by accepting and promoting candidates.
How have political parties failed at protecting democracy?
How have political parties failed at protecting democracy?
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What are the three stages of how democracy can be dismantled?
What are the three stages of how democracy can be dismantled?
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What two things does democracy thrive on?
What two things does democracy thrive on?
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What is mutual tolerance?
What is mutual tolerance?
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What is institutional forbearance?
What is institutional forbearance?
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When was the 'modern divide' in party politics created, and what were the two main reasons?
When was the 'modern divide' in party politics created, and what were the two main reasons?
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Why are impending crises a risk to democracy?
Why are impending crises a risk to democracy?
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What is one key to upholding democracy?
What is one key to upholding democracy?
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What is the authors' outlined plan to reverse democratic decline in the United States?
What is the authors' outlined plan to reverse democratic decline in the United States?
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How can political leaders overcome polarization?
How can political leaders overcome polarization?
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How should parties prevent authoritarianism?
How should parties prevent authoritarianism?
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How did influential people act as gatekeepers in the case of Warren G. Harding?
How did influential people act as gatekeepers in the case of Warren G. Harding?
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Study Notes
Demagogues and Power
- Modern demagogues rise to power by exploiting the weakening support of established politicians.
- Anti-establishment figures are recruited to regain voter popularity, but they often use this opportunity to consolidate power.
Warning Signs of Demagogues
- Rejection of democratic rules and claims of invalid election results.
- False discrediting of opponents, including calls for jailing or labeling them as enemies.
- Tolerance or encouragement of violence, including associations with organized crime or militant groups.
- Advocacy for reducing civil rights, such as silencing journalists and protesters.
Political Parties as Gatekeepers
- Political parties control access to mainstream politics by endorsing candidates.
- Failure to protect democracy can arise from accidentally facilitating the rise of dictators.
Stages of Democratic Dismantling
- First stage: Capture referees by dismissing judges or lawmakers to influence rulings.
- Second stage: Sidelining opposition through bribery or blackmail.
- Third stage: Altering rules to extend an autocrat's stay in power.
Foundations of Democracy
- Mutual toleration: Acknowledging political rivals as legitimate, not adversaries.
- Institutional forbearance: Restraining from actions that could undermine democracy, even when not illegal.
Historical Context in Party Politics
- The modern political divide surfaced in the 1960s, driven by race and religion issues.
Risks of Impending Crises
- Crises empower leaders to act unrestrained, often leading to the erosion of constitutional norms (e.g., the acceptance of the Patriot Act post-9/11).
Upholding Democracy
- A crucial strategy is to avoid retaliating against aggression with similar aggression.
Plans to Reverse Democratic Decline
- Advocates for coalitions supporting democracy, reforming the Republican Party to limit outside influence, and addressing economic inequality among politically diverse citizens.
Overcoming Polarization
- Leaders can bridge divides by collaborating with opponents and making compromises.
- Reform and outreach are essential, particularly for Democrats in appealing to working-class white voters without marginalizing ethnic minorities.
Preventing Authoritarianism
- Political parties should avoid nominating extremists and expel radicals from within.
- Building a united front against authoritarianism may require collaboration with traditional opponents.
Gatekeeping in Politics
- Historical examples illustrate the need for mechanisms to filter out unsuitable candidates while maintaining democratic processes.
Republican Party's Challenges
- There’s a notable abdication of responsibility from the Republican Party concerning democratic integrity.
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Description
Explore key points from the book 'How Democracies Die' in this flashcard quiz. Understand how demagogues rise to power and the dynamics between established and anti-establishment figures. Test your knowledge on crucial concepts that impact democratic systems.
