Conclusion

Abstract

The durability and operational efficiency of the political institutions of Western democracy took two to three centuries to develop. And despite such a long span of time none of them have been, or have become, totally inviolate or free from actual or potential danger to their essential democratic character. Like liberal institutions anywhere else these too have been subject to constant infractions. But historically speaking, their citizenry and concerned elites have learned to defend them and if necessary revive them after a period of interruption. The process of infraction and resilience, therefore, is basic to the very nature and survival of liberal political institutions. In other words, in the prolonged durability of liberal political institutions, their normative commitments, political skill, political capacity and effort at repairing and resurrecting institutions after infractions have, together, played an important part.