In "How Democracies Die," Steven Levitsky examines the concept of norm-breaking within government, highlighting significant instances where established political practices were disregarded. One of the most notable examples he discusses is the 2003 redistricting plan in Texas, which exemplified political manipulation at the state level. This plan illustrated how political actors can exploit their power to redraw electoral boundaries for their advantage, undermining democratic principles.

Levitsky's analysis sheds light on the broader implications of such actions, suggesting that norm-breaking can lead to a deterioration of democratic institutions. By prioritizing partisan goals over fairness and representation, cases like the Texas redistricting contribute to a weakening of public trust and the overall health of democracy. The book calls for vigilance in safeguarding democratic norms to ensure the integrity of governance.