In "How Democracies Die," Steven Levitsky examines the limitations of constitutional frameworks in preventing authoritarian rule. He argues that while constitutions may outline structures designed for democracy, they do not inherently ensure that leaders adhere to democratic principles. This becomes evident when looking at historical figures like Perón, Marcos, and Getúlio Vargas, who, despite operating under constitutions filled with checks and balances, transformed into autocrats rather than adhering to democratic norms.

Levitsky's analysis suggests that the mere presence of constitutional safeguards is insufficient to guarantee the health of a democracy. The experiences of these leaders illustrate that without a robust political culture and the commitment of all political actors to uphold democratic values, elected officials can manipulate constitutional provisions to consolidate power and undermine democratic institutions.