Types of
Democracy
Democracy
In this form of democracy, citizens directly vote on important policies and issues rather than relying entirely on elected representatives.
What is direct democracy?
This democratic freedom was identified as the most attacked aspect of democracy in 2025.
What is freedom of expression?
These are two important unwritten norms that the authors say help protect democracy.
What are mutual toleration and institutional forbearance?
This system gives the military significant control over how the country is governed.
What is military rule?
This term describes the process of a country becoming less democratic and more authoritarian.
What is autocratization?
The authors identify this as a major force behind the erosion of democratic norms.
What is political polarization?
A government in which citizens elect officials to represent their interests is an example of this broader political system.
What is representative democracy?
V-Dem identifies this as the most common tactic used by autocratizing governments.
What is media censorship?
This describes using legal powers in ways that undermine the spirit of the Constitution.
What is constitutional hardball?
This government system concentrates political decision-making in the hands of one leader rather than distributing power among elected institutions.
What is rule by a strong leader?
According to V-Dem, which country lost its long-term status as a liberal democracy in 2025?
What is the United States?
This occurs when government becomes unable to effectively deal with important problems because of political conflict.
What is democratic dysfunction?
A citizen supports elections and representative institutions but also believes experts should have greater influence over major decisions. Which two systems are being combined?
What are representative democracy and rule by experts?
These institutions are important for limiting the power of the executive branch in a liberal democracy.
What are checks and balances?
The authors argue that this can cause politicians to use extreme measures because they see their opponents as an existential threat.
What is extreme polarization?