Direct Democracy and Minority Rights

A Critical Assessment of the Tyranny of the Majority in the American States

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science
Cover of the book Direct Democracy and Minority Rights by Daniel Lewis, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Daniel Lewis ISBN: 9781136269349
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: January 4, 2013
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Daniel Lewis
ISBN: 9781136269349
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: January 4, 2013
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

This book conclusively demonstrates that direct democracy—institutions like the ballot initiative and the referendum—endangers the rights of minorities and perpetuates a tyranny of the majority. While advocates of direct democracy advocate that these institutions protect citizens from corrupt lawmakers beholden to special interests, Daniel Lewis’s thorough investigation shows how such mass participation exposes minority groups to negative policy outcomes favored by only a slim majority of voters. Some would argue that greater democratic responsiveness is a positive outcome, but without the checks and balances of a representative, separated powers system that encourages deliberation and minority representation, minority rights are at increased risk under direct democracy institutions.

While research has been presented that supports both sides of the debate, the existing literature has yet to produce consistent and compelling evidence in favor of one side or the other. This book undertakes a comprehensive examination of the "tyranny of the majority" critique of direct democracy by examining a host of contemporary American state policies that affect the rights of a variety of minority groups. By assessing the impact of direct democracy on both ballot measures and traditional legislation, the book provides a more complete picture of how citizen legislative institutions can affect minority rights, covering a myriad of contemporary (and sometimes controversial) minority rights issues, including same-sex marriage, affirmative action, official English, hate crimes laws, racial profiling, and anti-discrimination laws.

The book is unique in its approach and scope, making it compelling for scholars interested in direct democracy, state politics, minority politics and electoral institutions, as well as American politics generally.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This book conclusively demonstrates that direct democracy—institutions like the ballot initiative and the referendum—endangers the rights of minorities and perpetuates a tyranny of the majority. While advocates of direct democracy advocate that these institutions protect citizens from corrupt lawmakers beholden to special interests, Daniel Lewis’s thorough investigation shows how such mass participation exposes minority groups to negative policy outcomes favored by only a slim majority of voters. Some would argue that greater democratic responsiveness is a positive outcome, but without the checks and balances of a representative, separated powers system that encourages deliberation and minority representation, minority rights are at increased risk under direct democracy institutions.

While research has been presented that supports both sides of the debate, the existing literature has yet to produce consistent and compelling evidence in favor of one side or the other. This book undertakes a comprehensive examination of the "tyranny of the majority" critique of direct democracy by examining a host of contemporary American state policies that affect the rights of a variety of minority groups. By assessing the impact of direct democracy on both ballot measures and traditional legislation, the book provides a more complete picture of how citizen legislative institutions can affect minority rights, covering a myriad of contemporary (and sometimes controversial) minority rights issues, including same-sex marriage, affirmative action, official English, hate crimes laws, racial profiling, and anti-discrimination laws.

The book is unique in its approach and scope, making it compelling for scholars interested in direct democracy, state politics, minority politics and electoral institutions, as well as American politics generally.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book The Circular Economy and the Global South by Daniel Lewis
Cover of the book Hitler's Last Chief of Foreign Intelligence by Daniel Lewis
Cover of the book Higher Education Choice in China by Daniel Lewis
Cover of the book Electoral Violence in the Western Balkans by Daniel Lewis
Cover of the book Advertising Management by Daniel Lewis
Cover of the book Stalin Versus Marx by Daniel Lewis
Cover of the book Lesbian Families' Challenges and Means of Resiliency by Daniel Lewis
Cover of the book Mythologies of Internal Exile in Elizabethan Verse by Daniel Lewis
Cover of the book Communicating National Integration by Daniel Lewis
Cover of the book A Critical Rewriting of Global Political Economy by Daniel Lewis
Cover of the book Malinowski amongst the Magi by Daniel Lewis
Cover of the book (Re-)Reading Bede by Daniel Lewis
Cover of the book Young Women in Japan by Daniel Lewis
Cover of the book Gender, Islam and Democracy in Indonesia by Daniel Lewis
Cover of the book Nineteenth-Century Short Stories by Women by Daniel Lewis
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy