Final answer:
Persistent inequality contributed to the failure of democracy in the young Latin American nation by undermining democratic principles.
Step-by-step explanation:
Persistent inequality contributed to the failure of democracy in the young Latin American nation by undermining democratic principles. When a society is characterized by persistent inequality, it creates a power imbalance where a small elite group holds most of the wealth and resources. This can lead to corruption, favoritism, and a lack of equal opportunities, which are all detrimental to democratic principles.