In the readings, Zakaria makes the important distinction between democracy and liberal processes, and how the gap between the two is becoming more defined. For him, this is the main indicator that democracy is indeed imperiled, as the strong historic checks and the less formal institutional – both non-governmental and non-political – buffers against “tyrannical majoritarianism” are clearly deteriorating over time. Interestingly, Zakaria points out that these checks do not only serve as protection against tyrannical majoritarianism, but also against democratic majoritarianism. This is where the distinction between the democratic process, which can be defined as the traditionally legitimate voting system (that Rans fought so hard to establish in The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance), and liberalism, is imperative. While the democratic process may still be in place, the system it has perpetuated has continuously eroded the liberal forces that kept politics from slipping into dangerous demagoguery and populist, tyrannical rule. From our class discussion, the way in which the American political system is based on a winner-take-all outcome may be one of the driving reasons for the adoption of illiberal outlooks. Beyond this, Foa and Mounk also highlight growing income inequality as another major force, as the voice of the many is losing out to the voice of those with the majority of resources.