The Republicans have increasingly adopted tactics that resemble those of an antisystem political party, indicating a departure from traditional democratic norms. This shift became more evident during the Obama administration, suggesting that the party was undermining democratic processes and institutions.

As a result of these tactics, the protective mechanisms that uphold democracy began to weaken significantly by the end of Obama's presidency. The erosion of these "soft guardrails" shows a growing concern for the stability and health of democratic governance in the face of rising extremism within the political landscape.