7 definitions
Democratic backsliding (n.) is the gradual weakening of democratic institutions, usually by elected leaders, rather than through a sudden coup.
Democratic backsliding (n.) is the slow boil where the frog keeps voting for the cook.
Democratic backsliding (n.) is the referee changing the rules at halftime and calling it reform.
Democratic backsliding (n.) is a constitution kept under glass, admired by tourists and consulted by no one.
Democratic backsliding (n.) is when the tanks stay in the garage because the lawyers got there first.
Democratic backsliding (n.) is a house remodeled one load-bearing wall at a time, each with a permit.
Democratic backsliding (n.) is the opposition still allowed to run, just uphill and into the wind.