1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of The Master Guides: Threats to Democracy
What are the greatest threats to democracy today? In Shortform’s Master Guide to Threats to Democracy, we’ve synthesized the ideas and recommendations of some of the world’s leading political scientists from across the ideological spectrum to bring insight to this important—and timely—question.
Our guide explores the role that forces like extreme polarization, erosion of political norms, and extreme wealth inequality play in undermining democratic institutions and fomenting illiberalism and authoritarian rule. We’ll also examine the institutional, economic, and...
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The Master Guides: Threats to Democracy Summary Part 1: Forces That Weaken Democracy
The survival of democracies is based on public confidence—governments derive their legitimacy and authority from the consent of the governed. When citizens trust government institutions, they’re more likely to participate in the democratic process, adhere to the rule of law, and accept the outcomes of elections and governmental decisions, thus ensuring the stability and effectiveness of the democratic system.
Therefore, a loss of public trust in a democratic system can be fatal to the system’s survival. In this section, we’ll explore three main threats that, either on their own or in combination, can cause the public to lose that trust:
- Extreme polarization
- The decline of democratic norms
- Wealth inequality
Democratic Threat #1: Extreme Polarization
In Why We’re Polarized, author Ezra Klein outlines the case for why extreme political polarization represents a grave threat to functioning democracies.
Klein writes that** extreme polarization [transforms ordinary politics into a winner-take-all...
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The Master Guides: Threats to Democracy Summary Part 2: How to Fight Democratic Decline
Despite these threats to democracy, experts write that there are potential solutions and responses that can mitigate their effects. In this section we’ll explore three of those solutions, looking specifically at:
- Institutional reforms
- Measures to reduce inequality, such as a global wealth tax
- Forging political coalitions that cut across demographic lines
Solution #1: Institutional Reforms
In Why We’re Polarized, Klein recommends a set of reforms to American political institutions that reduce politicians’ incentives to stoke division. Klein argues that these reforms will put democracy on a sounder footing. Klein proposes three reforms:
- Replacing the Electoral College with a direct popular vote for the presidency
- Creating multi-member districts
- Changing the rules of the US Senate to eliminate the filibuster
1) Direct Elections for the Presidency
**The first institutional reform Klein proposes is to replace the Electoral College with a direct popular election for...
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Shortform Exercise: Consider Your Role In Strengthening Democratic Institutions
Consider the steps you can take to support democratic institutions.
Reflect on the current state of political polarization in your community or country.
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