Democracy in the Tension Between Ideal Construct and Outdated Model. The third volume of the series "Iura Historia - Research on Law and History" addresses the emergence, prerequisites, forms, and threats to democratic state organization in light of recent developments. The focus is on whether and how a democratic idea based on freedom, equality, the rule of law, and fundamental rights protection can convince and endure in the face of given challenges. In this context, significant issues such as citizen participation and alienation, hostility towards the state, surveillance state, social inequality, religious and political extremism, as well as threats posed by the digitalized world are discussed, and social solutions and legal defense options are presented. Renowned authors provide enlightening and critical perspectives and insights regarding a functional, just, and resilient democracy.