The ingredients of democratic political systems are often taken for granted until they are chipped away. An appraisal of the necessary elements of democracy, including how to retain democracy when anti-democratic forces gain strength, focuses on 10 pillars of democracy, each of which have their own operational codes. The focus is on respect for constitutions, judicial independence, legislative integrity, executive civility, universal suffrage and election integrity, bureaucratic independence, civil society strength, an informed citizenry, widespread support for democracy, and a strong economy. Conditions needed to maintain each pillar are specified.