"Democracy leads to Despotism"

Plato's quote revolving around the idea that democracy has the ability to lead to despotism is one that can be viewed from numerous standpoints. In my opinion, the only way for Plato's quote to support itself was if the democracy were a poorly run operation. For example, if the United States did not have a checks and balances system then there would be minimal regulation of branches. It is easy for one to imagine a democracy without regulatory operations crumbling to a form of government where a single individual is the sole ruler and figure of authority. However, building a democratic nation is no easy task and it is assumed that a finely tuned democracy has surely backed itself up with plans to keep equality the main focus.