In "How Democracies Die," Steven Levitsky highlights the dangers of extreme partisan animosity in governance. He argues that when political factions prioritize animosity towards the opposing party over mutual respect and cooperation, it can undermine democratic processes. This situation often leads to lawmakers in Congress defending the president's actions, regardless of their alignment with constitutional responsibilities.

This dynamic can result in a significant erosion of accountability and checks on presidential power. When Congress becomes more focused on partisan loyalty than on fulfilling their essential duties, it jeopardizes the foundational principles of democracy, as elected officials may neglect their obligation to uphold the law and challenge presidential overreach.