In "How Democracies Die," author Steven Levitsky discusses the insights of British scholar James Bryce from his work, "The American Commonwealth." Levitsky emphasizes that Bryce argued the effectiveness of the American political system hinges not solely on the Constitution but on the informal conventions and practices that govern political behavior, referred to as "usages." These unwritten norms shape how democracy functions beyond formal legal structures.

Levitsky’s exploration highlights the importance of these unwritten rules in maintaining the health and stability of democratic institutions. As political dynamics evolve, the adherence to these conventions plays a crucial role in preventing democratic backsliding and ensuring that the system remains responsive and resilient during challenging times.