Democracy in America is fragile, yet a lot of the rhetoric surrounding it is fraught with biases and appeals that are about winning elections and political battles rather than truly preserving democracy. There are also a lot of misunderstandings and debate about what democracy is and should be.

To truly uphold and preserve democracy in this country, we must truly understand what it means and the challenges that face it. Today's episode of Politics with Paul explores what the core of American democracy is about, including whether we truly are a democracy, public perceptions of American democracy, and threats that we must wary of and address.

(0:00) Introduction to Democracy in America

(1:44) What Exactly is a Democracy?

(8:22) Is the American Government a Democracy? Yes...and No

(13:04) Where We See Democracy in America

(25:19) What are the Ideals of American Democracy?

(32:40) How Americans Have Felt About US Democracy Historically

(39:12) How Americans Feel About US Democracy in 2025

(48:10) Threats to Democracy Going Forward

(49:05) Threat to Democracy: Political Polarization

(50:51) Threat to Democracy: Delegitimization of Political Institutions

(54:58) Threat to Democracy: Huge Economic Inequality

(58:45) Threat to Democracy: Worship and Praise of Candidates

(1:03:21) Closing: The Need to Discuss How to Uphold Democracy