Political apathy can have a detrimental impact on democracy, as it leads to decreased voter participation and disengagement from political processes. When citizens lack interest or feel disenfranchised, it diminishes the representativeness of elected officials and can result in policies that do not reflect the needs of the broader population. This disengagement can create opportunities for extremism and reduce accountability, as voter turnout is a critical measure of public sentiment. Apathy undermines the democratic ideal of participation, weakening the social contract between citizens and their governments.