How Democracies Die - Key Points Flashcards

Questions and Answers

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?

Discredit opponents (correct)

Reject democratic rules (correct)

Encourage violence (correct)

Support civil rights

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?

By unintentionally allowing dictators to rise to power. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three stages of how democracy can be dismantled?

<ol> <li>Capturing referees; 2. Sidelining opposition players; 3. Changing the rules.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What two things does democracy thrive on?

Mutual toleration and institutional forbearance. Signup and view all the answers

What is mutual tolerance?

Treating political rivals as legitimate contenders for power. Signup and view all the answers

What is institutional forbearance?

Refraining from actions that would undermine democracy, even if they aren't illegal. Signup and view all the answers

When was the 'modern divide' in party politics created, and what were the two main reasons?

In the 1960s, due to increasing focus on race and religion. Signup and view all the answers

Why are impending crises a risk to democracy?

They give leaders permission to act as they see fit. Signup and view all the answers

What is one key to upholding democracy?

Resisting fighting fire with fire. Signup and view all the answers

What is the authors' outlined plan to reverse democratic decline in the United States?

Citizens should form a coalition that supports democracy and reform the Republican Party. Signup and view all the answers

How can political leaders overcome polarization?

By cooperating with rivals Signup and view all the answers

How should parties prevent authoritarianism?

By resisting nominating extremists and forming a united front against authoritarian forces. Signup and view all the answers

How did influential people act as gatekeepers in the case of Warren G. Harding?

They chose him as their presidential nominee to keep unfit candidates off the ballot. Signup and view all the answers

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.