Political apathy significantly undermines democracy by reducing citizen engagement and participation. When people are apathetic, they may fail to vote, understand key political issues, or hold their leaders accountable. This lack of engagement can result in unrepresentative governance, as elected officials may not reflect the wishes of an informed electorate. Additionally, apathy can create polarization and exacerbate social divides, diminishing the integrity of political discourse. Ultimately, political apathy threatens democratic values, as an active and informed citizenry is essential to maintaining a robust and functioning democracy.