Manchester University Press Direct Democracy: A Comparative Study of the Theory and Practice of Government by the People

Should citizens be allowed to propose legislation? Should they even be allowed to recall politicians if they do not live up to their expectations? These questions and many others form the subject of this timely book. In addition to presenting an up to date review of the empirical literature, Direct democracy provides a survey of the political philosophers who have theorised about this subject. It is the central tenet in the book that the demand for direct democracy is a consequence of the demand for more consumer choices. Like consumers want individualised products, so voters want individualised and bespoke policies. Described by the BBC as "The world's leading expert on referendums", the author, Matt Qvortrup, draws on his experience as a political advisor to the US State Department, as well as his extensive academic knowledge of direct democracy. Review As we hurtle forward into the twenty-first century with its unparalleled availability of information and communication technology, the world's great democracies continue to be organized around eighteenth-century principles of representative governance. Professor Qvortrup's new book illustrates the powerful new modes of direct political participation that are emerging around the globe - most important, the initiative and referendum - and shows how democratic government can be updated and augmented to better meet the challenges of our modern world. Professor John Matsusaka, Charles F. Sexton Chair in American Enterprise at the University of Southern California The originality and great value of the book lies in the ability of the author to step back from traditional constitutional or political scientist approaches of the subject, and to view the referendum in its present, contemporary, context... [and] the insightful analysis of the conception of direct democracy among political thinkers...like Machiavelli or Marsilius of Padua, Condorcet and Carl Schmitt. Professor Laurence Morel, University of Lille, France --. From the Inside Flap Should people decide on more political issues? Should citizens be allowed to propose legislation? Should they even be allowed to recall politicians if they do not live up to their expectations? These questions and many others form the subject of this timely book. Combining the latest scholarship and academic research with current debates, Direct democracy is essential reading for political scientists, lawyers, journalists and anybody who is interested in the challenges facing democracies today. Direct democracy shows when government by the people can improve democratic governance. It provides empirical evidence that more democratic engagement often improves the lives of ordinary citizens. In addition to presenting an up to date review of the empirical literature, the book provides a survey of the political philosophers who have theorised about direct democracy. It is the central tenet in the book that the demand for direct democracy is a direct consequence of the demand for more consumer choices. Like consumers want individualised products, so voters want individualised and bespoke policies.Described by the BBC as The worlds leading expert on referendums', the author, Matt Qvortrup, draws on his experience as a political advisor to the UN and the US State Department, as well as he draws on his extensive academic knowledge of direct democracy. This combination of theoretical prowess and practical experience makes Direct democracy a unique contribution to the political science of direct democracy, which should be on the reading lists in both graduate and undergraduate courses in political science in Britain and abroad. From the Back Cover Should people decide on more political issues? Should citizens be allowed to propose legislation? Should they even be allowed to recall politicians if they do not live up to their expectations? These questions and many others form the subject of this timely book. Combining the lat