Does Competence Make Citizens Tolerate Undemocratic Behavior?

Are citizens willing to tolerate violations of democratic rules and norms by competent political leaders? I examine this question employing well-powered conjoint experiments in the United States, Kingdom, Czech Republic, Mexico, South Korea. The findings yield good as well bad news for democracy. find that undemocratic behavior candidates decreases voter support, whereas candidate competence increases support. Contrary expectations, effects do not interact. This means are sanctioned violating principles but also support with their competence. These can help explain successes failures leaders around world: although these gain appearing be competent, does make entirely.