POL133 - Competitive Authoritarianism

(Steven Levitsky, Lucan A. Way) Key quotes and arguments positulated in the essential readings.

Quote I on backsliding

“America has been backsliding for almost a decade. Democracy is in greater peril today than at any time in modern US history”

Competitive Authoritarianism

A system in which parties still compete in elections but it is no longer fair or free as the incumbent rigs the playing field against the opposition. It is not a complete dictatorship but also an unhealthy democracy.

How does backsliding into a competitive authoritarian state degrade American democracy?

Through reducing the protection of civil liberties, attacks on electoral integrity, and use of state power to quash dissent.

In what way has the protection of civil liberties reduced in the US.

The aggressive ICE deportation campaigns targeting immigrant communities across America without due process illustrate the erosion of civil liberties in the U.S. This undermines fundamental rights to legal representation, privacy, and equal treatment.

What prevents America from backsliding into a classical dictatorship?

Constitutional rights, high barriers to constitutional reforms (referendums), independent judges and federalism.

What is an example of judicial review that has prevented America from backsliding

In June 2025, the US court of International Trade blocked Trump’s use of emergency presidential powers to impose global tarrifs. This is an example of independent judges limiting democatic backsliding in America.

What is another example of constitutional right that has prevented America from backsliding

In June 2025, a federal US judge ruled against Trump’s deployment of the national guard in California amidst anti-ICE and pro-Palestine movements. This decision upheld the right to free assembly, demonstrating the protection of civil liberties against government overreach.

What is a limitation of judicial review against Trump’s policies though?

Judicial review can be limited by the political appointments of judges who may favor executive power, leading to inconsistent rulings that do not uniformly protect against authoritarianism.

What is an example of Judicial Review failing to prevent America from backsliding?

In 2024, the US federal court ruled 6-3 upholding presidential immunity for conducting official acts including regarding the militrary and congressional overseeing. This ruling effectively allowed Trump to evade accountability for attempting to overturn election results in 2021 (Jan 6 insurrection).

What is an example of federalism preventing America from democratically backsliding?

In 2020 despite republican and trump’s efforts to overturn the results by claiming election fraud and asking state governors to find votes, state courts refused and lawsuits filed claiming stolen votes were found to be without merit, reinforcing the integrity of the electoral process.