The book "How Democracies Die" by Steven Levitsky discusses the dynamics between a government's approval ratings and the behavior of various political actors. When approval ratings are high, there tends to be a sense of stability and loyalty among allies, with the media often exhibiting restraint in their criticisms. However, the opposite occurs when approval ratings decline significantly.

In times of low approval, the media and opposition become bolder in their critiques, judges feel more empowered to challenge authority, and even supporters of the government may start to voice their dissent. This shift indicates that the health of a democracy is closely linked to public perception and approval of its leaders, influencing the overall political landscape.