Political scientist V. O. Key suggested that the continuation of democratic elections posed a significant threat to the existing social order, particularly for white elites in regions like the black belt. This underscores the inherent tension between democracy and the interests of those who benefit from entrenched social hierarchies.

In the context of Steven Levitsky's book "How Democracies Die," this observation highlights the challenges democracies face when confronting established power dynamics. The implications of such threats reveal how the perceived stability of certain groups can be compromised by the democratic process, ultimately raising questions about the resilience of democracy in the face of opposition from powerful factions.