How Democracies Die

by

Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt

The invisible primary is the informal selection process through which political parties give their favored candidates the resources and publicity they need to launch a viable presidential bid. However, in the 21st century, the invisible primary is decreasingly important because wealthy celebrity candidates like Donald Trump can fund their campaigns and command attention on their own.
Get the entire How Democracies Die LitChart as a printable PDF.
How Democracies Die PDF

Invisible Primary Term Timeline in How Democracies Die

The timeline below shows where the term Invisible Primary appears in How Democracies Die. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 2: Gatekeeping in America
Extremism and Gatekeeping Theme Icon
Polarization and Inclusive Democracy Theme Icon
...these resources, candidates still need support from the party establishment—political scientists call this the “ invisible primary .” (full context)
Chapter 3: The Great Republican Abdication
American Tyranny Theme Icon
Extremism and Gatekeeping Theme Icon
Polarization and Inclusive Democracy Theme Icon
Global and Historical Patterns Theme Icon
...Pat Buchanan, and Steve Forbes showed that it’s possible for candidates to skip past the invisible primary if they’re rich or famous enough. (full context)
Extremism and Gatekeeping Theme Icon
Levitsky and Ziblatt argue that Republican Party gatekeepers failed to do their job during the invisible primary , the state primaries, and the election. (full context)
American Tyranny Theme Icon
Extremism and Gatekeeping Theme Icon
Polarization and Inclusive Democracy Theme Icon
First, Trump struggled in the invisible primary : no major Republicans supported him until very late in the race, after he won... (full context)