Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Definition
A consolidated democracy refers to a political system where democratic institutions and practices are well-established, stable, and widely accepted by citizens over an extended period of time.
A hybrid regime is a political system that combines elements of both democracy and authoritarianism. It may have some democratic features but lacks full consolidation.
An illiberal democracy is characterized by regular elections but lacks key liberal principles such as protection of individual rights or checks on executive power.
In contrast to consolidated democracies, authoritarian regimes are ruled by leaders who hold significant power without being accountable to citizens through free elections or independent institutions.