Direct Democracy Worldwide

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, International, Foreign Legal Systems, Government, Democracy
Cover of the book Direct Democracy Worldwide by David Altman, Cambridge University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: David Altman ISBN: 9780511853494
Publisher: Cambridge University Press Publication: December 20, 2010
Imprint: Cambridge University Press Language: English
Author: David Altman
ISBN: 9780511853494
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Publication: December 20, 2010
Imprint: Cambridge University Press
Language: English

Challenging the common assumption that models of direct democracy and representative democracy are necessarily at odds, Direct Democracy Worldwide demonstrates how practices of direct and representative democracy interact under different institutional settings and uncovers the conditions that allow them to coexist in a mutually reinforcing manner. Whereas citizen-initiated mechanisms of direct democracy can spur productive relationships between citizens and political parties, other mechanisms of direct democracy often help leaders bypass other representative institutions, undermining republican checks and balances. The book also demonstrates that the embrace of direct democracy is costly, may generate uncertainties and inconsistencies, and can be manipulated. Nonetheless, the promise of direct democracy should not be dismissed. Direct democracy is much more than a simple, pragmatic second choice when representative democracy seems not to be working as expected. Properly designed, it can empower citizens, breaking through some of the institutionalized barriers to accountability that arise in representative systems.

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

Challenging the common assumption that models of direct democracy and representative democracy are necessarily at odds, Direct Democracy Worldwide demonstrates how practices of direct and representative democracy interact under different institutional settings and uncovers the conditions that allow them to coexist in a mutually reinforcing manner. Whereas citizen-initiated mechanisms of direct democracy can spur productive relationships between citizens and political parties, other mechanisms of direct democracy often help leaders bypass other representative institutions, undermining republican checks and balances. The book also demonstrates that the embrace of direct democracy is costly, may generate uncertainties and inconsistencies, and can be manipulated. Nonetheless, the promise of direct democracy should not be dismissed. Direct democracy is much more than a simple, pragmatic second choice when representative democracy seems not to be working as expected. Properly designed, it can empower citizens, breaking through some of the institutionalized barriers to accountability that arise in representative systems.

More books from Cambridge University Press

Cover of the book India's Late, Late Industrial Revolution by David Altman
Cover of the book Linking Global Trade and Human Rights by David Altman
Cover of the book Software Receiver Design by David Altman
Cover of the book American Criminal Justice Policy by David Altman
Cover of the book International Law by David Altman
Cover of the book The Skeptical Environmentalist by David Altman
Cover of the book Elementary Modern Standard Arabic: Volume 1, Pronunciation and Writing; Lessons 1-30 by David Altman
Cover of the book Modern Techniques of Surface Science by David Altman
Cover of the book Core Topics in Preoperative Anaesthetic Assessment and Management by David Altman
Cover of the book Hilbert Space Methods in Signal Processing by David Altman
Cover of the book Reconstructing Alliterative Verse by David Altman
Cover of the book Fundamentals of Massive MIMO by David Altman
Cover of the book Commanding Military Power by David Altman
Cover of the book Financial Enterprise Risk Management by David Altman
Cover of the book The Beginnings of Mesoamerican Civilization by David Altman
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