Diminished Democracy

Diminished democracy occurs when government institutions, electoral processes, or civil liberties weaken, reducing citizens’ ability to influence policies and hold leaders accountable. This can happen through actions like restricting voting rights, limiting free speech, controlling the press, or concentrating power in the hands of a few. When democratic practices are eroded, decision-making becomes less transparent and less responsive to the people's needs, undermining the core principles of democracy—participation, representation, and accountability. Essentially, diminished democracy compromises the system that ensures government reflects the will and interests of its citizens.