When the People Speak: Deliberative Democracy and Public ConsultationAll over the world democratic reforms have brought power to the people - but under conditions where the people have little opportunity to think about the power that they exercise. Do we want a democracy inspired by Madison or by Madison Avenue? A democracy animated by deliberation or by manipulation? This book examines each of the principal democratic theories and makes the case for a democracy in which the people offer informed judgments about politics or policy.It then goes on to show how this form of democracy can be made a reality. When the People Speak describes deliberative democracy projects conducted by the author with various collaborators in the US,China, Britain, Denmark, Australia, Italy, Bulgaria, Northern Ireland, and in the entire European Union. These projects have resulted in the massive expansion of wind power in Texas, the building of sewage treatment plants in China, the crafting of budget solutions in a region in Italy, and greater mutual understanding between Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland. Critics of deliberative democracy say that it will privilege the more educated or that the public is incompetent when itcomes to understanding policy issues, and should not be consulted. Others argue that it will increase polarization. Fishkin offers rebuttals for each of these arguments. Combining theory and practice heshows how a more deliberative politics is both practical and compelling. |
Other editions - View all
When the People Speak: Deliberative Democracy and Public Consultation James Fishkin Limited preview - 2009 |
When the People Speak: Deliberative Democracy and Public Consultation James Fishkin No preview available - 2009 |
When the People Speak: Deliberative Democracy and Public Consultation James Fishkin No preview available - 2009 |
Common terms and phrases
achieve actual alternative American answered apply arguments Available balanced basis become called candidate choice citizens claim collective combination compared competing competitive concerns consideration considered consultation Convention course decision deliberation deliberative democracy Deliberative Poll democratic dialogue direction discussion distortions educated effect efforts election elites engage example experience fact Fishkin four idea ideal included increased individual institutions interests issues Italy James judgments jury least less limited majority mass meetings merits microcosm motivate move noted offered participants party percentage political equality population position possible preferences principles problem projects public opinion questions random sampling realize reason referendum representative require respondents sense shared showed significant small group social society theory thought tion town turn University Press values views voice vote voters