Summarize: This article explores the relationship between economics and politics by examining the impact of economic crisis on democratic stability. It attempts to test the thesis proposed by Seymour Martin Lipset that economic crisis is not directly linked to political stability but is mediated through two fundamental components of the political culture: effectiveness and legitimacy. Previous empirical research on this hypothesis has been limited by four interrelated factors outlined in the article. The study overcomes these limitations by using a refined measure of legitimacy (called 'political support-allenation') and focusing on Costa Rica, a country that has experienced a severe economic crisis but has nonetheless maintained democratic stability. The article reviews the historical process of building democracy in Costa Rica, describes the nature of the economic crisis, and traces its impact with a series of cross-section surveys