In the 1950s, the American electorate was predominantly composed of married white Christians, who made up nearly 80 percent of the voting population. This demographic was mostly split between the two major political parties, reflecting a significant and cohesive cultural background that influenced the political landscape of the time.

The book "How Democracies Die" by Steven Levitsky examines the implications of this demographic dominance on American politics. It highlights how the values and beliefs of this majority shaped political decisions and institutions, setting a context for understanding current political dynamics and challenges facing democracies.