The political system in the United States has long depended on norms that, notably, involved racial exclusion. The stability of the era from the conclusion of Reconstruction until the 1980s can be traced back to a foundational injustice—the Compromise of 1877. This agreement allowed for a significant rollback of democratic gains in the South, paving the way for the establishment of Jim Crow laws.

This period reflects how institutional frameworks can perpetuate inequality and limit democratic participation. The ramifications of this history continued to influence American political dynamics, highlighting the ongoing struggle against systemic racism and challenges to democratic integrity.