... challenges this accepted wisdom, arguing that political representation deserves to be regarded as a fully legitimate mode of democratic decision making—and not just a pragmatic second choice when direct democracy is not possible. As the author shows, the idea that representation is incompatible...

...Direct democracy is alive and well in the United States. Citizens are increasingly using initiatives and referendums to take the law into their own hands, overriding their elected officials to set tax, expenditure, and social policies. This book provides an even-handed and historically based...

... Bernard judgment Lafont Cristina direct democracy Irish Convention on the Constitution ICC democratic innovations information shortcuts responsiveness California deliberation sortition democratic innovations citizens assembly British Columbia Citizens Assembly Oregon Citizens Initiative...

...This chapter takes a close look at the most commonly used legislative avenue for influencing affirmative action policy: the use of state ballot initiatives to eliminate affirmative action. The state ballot initiative is an example of direct democracy used to further libertarian opposition to race...