University of Michigan Democratic Backsliding in United States Paper

University of Michigan Democratic Backsliding in United States Paper

Write a 3 to 5 page double-spaced (1” margins, 12 point font) “reflection paper” that answers the following questions:

Some analysts worry that the U.S. may be in danger of backsliding from a democracy to a non-democratic regime. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this assessment? In your answer, analyze the democratic backsliding that has occurred in other countries (e.g., Nicaragua, Venezuela, Turkey, Hungary, Poland, etc.). What types of actions were taken by leaders of those countries that produced the democratic backsliding? To what degree have these types of actions occurred in the U.S., and what indications are there that they could occur in the near future? Are there other conditions that might influence the prospects for democratic backsliding? Finally, what do these case comparisons suggest are the main factors protecting democracy from backsliding?