George Wallace’s political career illustrates the significant role that party gatekeeping plays in shaping political outcomes. His marginalization in the political landscape reflects how established parties can maintain control by limiting the influence of figures who deviate from conventional norms or policies. This dynamic ensures that extreme or unpopular views struggle to gain traction within the mainstream political arena.

The concept of gatekeeping not only serves to safeguard party integrity but also emphasizes the challenges faced by individuals like Wallace in gaining broader acceptance. Through this lens, Levitsky’s analysis in "How Democracies Die" underscores the importance of party structures in navigating the complexities of political representation and voter engagement.