Direct Democracy Or Representative Government? Dispelling The Populist Myth

Direct Democracy Or Representative Government? Dispelling The Populist Myth

Author: John Haskell

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2018-03-05

Total Pages: 204

ISBN-13: 0429980612

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In Direct Democracy or Representative Government? John Haskell develops a devastating critique of direct democracy by exposing the central flaw in populist thinking. Contrary to the beliefs of populist advocates of direct democracy, the popular will cannot be interpreted from the results of the plebiscite. John Haskell presents a defense of representative institutions that brings to bear, in an understandable way, the findings of public choice scholars. Haskell covers the clash of ideas between populists and constitutionalists throughout American history. He follows the development of direct democracy during the twentieth century, especially the dramatically increased use of initiatives and referenda in the last decade. As Americans become increasingly frustrated with the workings of the institutions of government at the state and national levels, and as populist ideas gain greater currency, new forms of direct and participatory democracy making use of the latest computer technology appeal to more people. Haskell speculates as to the likely future direction of direct democracy in the U.S. He describes in clear language the fundamental problem with the premise of populist thinking and explains why direct democracy presents a threat to minority rights and only promises irresponsible and unaccountable governance.


Book Synopsis Direct Democracy Or Representative Government? Dispelling The Populist Myth by : John Haskell

Download or read book Direct Democracy Or Representative Government? Dispelling The Populist Myth written by John Haskell and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2018-03-05 with total page 204 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In Direct Democracy or Representative Government? John Haskell develops a devastating critique of direct democracy by exposing the central flaw in populist thinking. Contrary to the beliefs of populist advocates of direct democracy, the popular will cannot be interpreted from the results of the plebiscite. John Haskell presents a defense of representative institutions that brings to bear, in an understandable way, the findings of public choice scholars. Haskell covers the clash of ideas between populists and constitutionalists throughout American history. He follows the development of direct democracy during the twentieth century, especially the dramatically increased use of initiatives and referenda in the last decade. As Americans become increasingly frustrated with the workings of the institutions of government at the state and national levels, and as populist ideas gain greater currency, new forms of direct and participatory democracy making use of the latest computer technology appeal to more people. Haskell speculates as to the likely future direction of direct democracy in the U.S. He describes in clear language the fundamental problem with the premise of populist thinking and explains why direct democracy presents a threat to minority rights and only promises irresponsible and unaccountable governance.

Direct Democracy

Direct Democracy

Author: Thomas E. Cronin

Publisher: iUniverse

Published: 1999

Total Pages: 308

ISBN-13:

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Book Synopsis Direct Democracy by : Thomas E. Cronin

Download or read book Direct Democracy written by Thomas E. Cronin and published by iUniverse. This book was released on 1999 with total page 308 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

TABOR and Direct Democracy

TABOR and Direct Democracy

Author: Bradley Jay Young

Publisher: Fulcrum Publishing

Published: 2006

Total Pages: 104

ISBN-13: 9781555915964

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An examination of the consequences of the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights in Colorado.


Book Synopsis TABOR and Direct Democracy by : Bradley Jay Young

Download or read book TABOR and Direct Democracy written by Bradley Jay Young and published by Fulcrum Publishing. This book was released on 2006 with total page 104 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An examination of the consequences of the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights in Colorado.

Direct Democracy and the Courts

Direct Democracy and the Courts

Author: Kenneth P. Miller

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2009-08-31

Total Pages: 287

ISBN-13: 0521765641

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This book analyzes the conflict between two rising powers - direct democracy and the courts. Many voter-approved initiatives are challenged in court after the election and many are invalidated. The resulting conflict between the people and the courts threatens to produce a popular backlash against judges and raises profound questions about the proper scope of popular sovereignty and judicial power in a constitutional system.


Book Synopsis Direct Democracy and the Courts by : Kenneth P. Miller

Download or read book Direct Democracy and the Courts written by Kenneth P. Miller and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2009-08-31 with total page 287 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book analyzes the conflict between two rising powers - direct democracy and the courts. Many voter-approved initiatives are challenged in court after the election and many are invalidated. The resulting conflict between the people and the courts threatens to produce a popular backlash against judges and raises profound questions about the proper scope of popular sovereignty and judicial power in a constitutional system.

The Oxford Handbook of State and Local Government

The Oxford Handbook of State and Local Government

Author: Donald P. Haider-Markel

Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA

Published: 2014-04

Total Pages: 977

ISBN-13: 0199579679

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The Oxford Handbook of State and Local Government covers the main areas of study in subnational politics by exploring the central contributions to the comparative study of institutions, behaviour, and policy in the American context.


Book Synopsis The Oxford Handbook of State and Local Government by : Donald P. Haider-Markel

Download or read book The Oxford Handbook of State and Local Government written by Donald P. Haider-Markel and published by Oxford University Press, USA. This book was released on 2014-04 with total page 977 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Oxford Handbook of State and Local Government covers the main areas of study in subnational politics by exploring the central contributions to the comparative study of institutions, behaviour, and policy in the American context.

Citizenship and Contemporary Direct Democracy

Citizenship and Contemporary Direct Democracy

Author: David Altman

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2019

Total Pages: 283

ISBN-13: 1108496636

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Offers a comparative study of the origins, performance, and reform of contemporary mechanisms of direct democracy.


Book Synopsis Citizenship and Contemporary Direct Democracy by : David Altman

Download or read book Citizenship and Contemporary Direct Democracy written by David Altman and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2019 with total page 283 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Offers a comparative study of the origins, performance, and reform of contemporary mechanisms of direct democracy.

Direct Democracy and Minority Rights

Direct Democracy and Minority Rights

Author: Daniel Lewis

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2013-01-04

Total Pages: 138

ISBN-13: 1136269347

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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.


Book Synopsis Direct Democracy and Minority Rights by : Daniel Lewis

Download or read book Direct Democracy and Minority Rights written by Daniel Lewis and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2013-01-04 with total page 138 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.

The Routledge Handbook to Referendums and Direct Democracy

The Routledge Handbook to Referendums and Direct Democracy

Author: Laurence Morel

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2017-12-12

Total Pages: 710

ISBN-13: 135136071X

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Over the last 30 years referendums have played an increasingly important role in determining government policy. Recent high profile referendums in Scotland, Catalonia and Ukraine have continued the movement towards independence referendums following decolonization and the end of the Cold War. The Greek bailout referendum and Britain’s vote on membership of the EU reflect a tradition of European states giving their people a direct say in the transfer of sovereign powers to the European Union seen through the ratification of key treaties such as Maastricht, Amsterdam, Nice and Lisbon. This Routledge Handbook covers key aspects and issues of direct democracy and referendums throughout the world including: •their history; •when, why, where, how and on which issues referendums are held; •why some referendums are more democratic than others; •how referendums are won; •whether they produce good policies; •if referendums increase participation and improve the quality of representative democracies; •do referendums increase trust in democracy and the political actors; •the impact of new technology on the possibilities, methods and frequency of direct public political participation; •how they should be regulated. Covering other related areas such as recall, citizen juries and random selection, this compendium is an indispensable guide to referendums and the workings of modern democracy.


Book Synopsis The Routledge Handbook to Referendums and Direct Democracy by : Laurence Morel

Download or read book The Routledge Handbook to Referendums and Direct Democracy written by Laurence Morel and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2017-12-12 with total page 710 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Over the last 30 years referendums have played an increasingly important role in determining government policy. Recent high profile referendums in Scotland, Catalonia and Ukraine have continued the movement towards independence referendums following decolonization and the end of the Cold War. The Greek bailout referendum and Britain’s vote on membership of the EU reflect a tradition of European states giving their people a direct say in the transfer of sovereign powers to the European Union seen through the ratification of key treaties such as Maastricht, Amsterdam, Nice and Lisbon. This Routledge Handbook covers key aspects and issues of direct democracy and referendums throughout the world including: •their history; •when, why, where, how and on which issues referendums are held; •why some referendums are more democratic than others; •how referendums are won; •whether they produce good policies; •if referendums increase participation and improve the quality of representative democracies; •do referendums increase trust in democracy and the political actors; •the impact of new technology on the possibilities, methods and frequency of direct public political participation; •how they should be regulated. Covering other related areas such as recall, citizen juries and random selection, this compendium is an indispensable guide to referendums and the workings of modern democracy.

Referendums as Representative Democracy

Referendums as Representative Democracy

Author: Leah Trueblood

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2024-04-18

Total Pages: 270

ISBN-13: 1509940812

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In referendums on fundamental constitutional issues, do the people come together to make decisions instead of representatives? This book argues no. It offers an alternative theory of referendums whereby they are one of many ordinary ways that voters give direction to their representatives. In this way, the book argues that referendums are better understood as exercises in representative democracy. The book challenges the current treatment of referendums in processes of constitutional change both in the UK and around the world. It argues that referendums have been used under the banner of popular sovereignty in a way that undermines representative institutions. This book makes the case for the use of referendums stronger by showing how they can support, rather than undermine, institutions of representative democracy. Understanding referendums as exercises in representative democracy has broader implications for constitutional democracy as well. Rather than see the power to constitute constitutions as something that happens occasionally in exceptional moments through referendums, this book argues instead that voters constantly have the power to constitute and reconstitute their constitutions.


Book Synopsis Referendums as Representative Democracy by : Leah Trueblood

Download or read book Referendums as Representative Democracy written by Leah Trueblood and published by Bloomsbury Publishing. This book was released on 2024-04-18 with total page 270 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In referendums on fundamental constitutional issues, do the people come together to make decisions instead of representatives? This book argues no. It offers an alternative theory of referendums whereby they are one of many ordinary ways that voters give direction to their representatives. In this way, the book argues that referendums are better understood as exercises in representative democracy. The book challenges the current treatment of referendums in processes of constitutional change both in the UK and around the world. It argues that referendums have been used under the banner of popular sovereignty in a way that undermines representative institutions. This book makes the case for the use of referendums stronger by showing how they can support, rather than undermine, institutions of representative democracy. Understanding referendums as exercises in representative democracy has broader implications for constitutional democracy as well. Rather than see the power to constitute constitutions as something that happens occasionally in exceptional moments through referendums, this book argues instead that voters constantly have the power to constitute and reconstitute their constitutions.

Direct Democracy Worldwide

Direct Democracy Worldwide

Author: David Altman

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2010-12-20

Total Pages: 265

ISBN-13: 1139495437

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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.


Book Synopsis Direct Democracy Worldwide by : David Altman

Download or read book Direct Democracy Worldwide written by David Altman and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2010-12-20 with total page 265 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.