One of the factors which provided stability to democratic order- and in a sense has been basic to it - has been the acceptance by the community of the power and authority of governments and the law. Civil rebellion and violence were eliminated in western democracies (though there have been isolated examples of strife). This was a reflection of the acceptance by the people of civilised methods of debate and communication. The elimination of violence made possible change and development.
Many of the factors which provided stability are being undermined. The expanding size of government and the consequent multiplicity of laws, regulations and widespread discretionary power are undermining faith in law and government. This is leading to increasing breaches of the law and a rising crime rate. This is an inescapable consequence of big government. The transfer of resources away from the police force to bureaucracies and regulatory bodies is a contributory factor.
A feature of the modern democratic state is the rise of groups which aggressively, and through psychological intimidation, attempt to impose their views on others. There is evidence of a break down of pluralism and the abuse of democratic procedures as a means to effect change.