Even well-designed constitutions cannot, by themselves, guarantee democracy. For one, constitutions are always incomplete.
In "How Democracies Die," Steven Levitsky emphasizes that well-structured constitutions alone cannot ensure a functioning democracy. He points out that constitutions are inherently incomplete, lacking the necessary provisions to address every challenge a democratic society may face. This incompleteness leaves weaknesses that can be exploited, undermining the system's resilience.
Moreover, Levitsky argues that a successful democracy relies not just on legal frameworks but also on the political culture, the behavior of leaders, and active civic engagement. Without these elements, even the best-designed constitutions may fail to protect democratic values and institutions, highlighting the complexity of sustaining democracy beyond mere written laws.
