In the wake of the deadly storming of the Capitol on January 6, 2021, authors Daniel Ziblatt and Steven Levitsky highlight three essential rules that political parties must adhere to in their book, "How Democracies Die." However, they argue that only one U.S. political party violated all three rules in the aftermath of the 2020 election.

On the third anniversary of the attack, the former president, Donald Trump, who still refuses to acknowledge his loss to President Joe Biden, emerges as the leading Republican candidate for the 2024 presidential race. Trump's refusal to accept the election results and his continued support for the rioters has raised concerns about the party's affiliation with extremists.

Many Republican leaders, including those who once condemned Trump, have now endorsed his candidacy, underscoring the divisions within the party that emerged after the Capitol attack. The question now lingers about which definition of governance will prevail and if democracy will withstand the test.

Levitsky emphasizes the importance of political leaders standing up in defense of democracy, stating that citizens must actively protect and defend their democratic systems. His new book, "Tyranny of the Minority," calls on people to defend democracy, as he believes institutions alone cannot protect it when politicians abdicate their responsibilities.

The anniversary of the Jan. 6 attack comes during a tumultuous period in American politics, with Congress grappling to handle basic governance while the presidential nominating contests loom. Trump's persistent false claims of a stolen election continue to shape the presidential race as he eyes a rematch against Biden, despite facing more than 90 criminal charges in federal and state courts.

President Biden, in his commemorative speech near Pennsylvania's Valley Forge, reflected on the Jan. 6 attack, stating that "we nearly lost America - lost it all." He criticized Trump for revising the narrative of that day, calling the rioters "patriots" and promising to pardon them. Biden also accused some Republicans in Congress of being complicit in undermining the truth and abandoning democracy.

On a quieter Capitol, the anniversary of the attack will pass with minimal ceremony. However, it will serve as a reminder that democracy will be put to the test once more in 2025 when Congress is called upon to certify the results of the next presidential election.

Representative Jamie Raskin, who led Trump's impeachment over the insurrection, emphasizes that the truth of the 2020 election cannot be denied. Raskin envisions a future Capitol exhibit and tours to commemorate the events of Jan. 6, 2021.

The article notes that Trump's refusal to accept the election results was the first time Americans experienced the peaceful transfer of power being challenged, a defining feature of U.S. democracy.

Despite over 1,200 people being charged in connection with the riot and nearly 900 convicted, some allies of Trump dismiss the narrative surrounding Jan. 6. The Republican Party remains divided on the issue, with leaders like Kevin McCarthy endorsing Trump for president and even considering joining his cabinet.

As the country continues to grapple with the aftermath of the Capitol attack, the lingering divisions raise concerns about the future of democracy and the acceptance of fair election results. The upcoming presidential race in 2024 will further test the nation's democratic principles and shape the trajectory of American politics for years to come.