The People's Government
An Introduction to Democracy

Examines the strengths and weaknesses of democracy, in multiple forms, in multiple locations.

Del Dickson (Author)

9781107619555, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 21 July 2014

280 pages, 13 b/w illus.
22.8 x 15.2 x 1.5 cm, 0.39 kg

'A full understanding of what democracy is and how it works begins with this book. Part political theory and part comparative politics, it is both an introduction to political science and a handbook for democratic tinkerers. Del Dickson's The People's Government adds richness to our understanding of democracy in all its iterations - from the halls of the US Capitol to the public square in Appenzell Innerrhoden, Switzerland.' Dennis Plane, Juniata College

The People's Government is premised on the idea that democracy is based on two fundamental rights: freedom and liberty. Liberty is the right to be left alone, while freedom is the right to participate in a political community. How people view democracy depends on which of these two rights they think is more important. Liberal democrats place a higher value on liberty, while free democrats see freedom as the primary right. From this starting point, the author adds five dimensions to define and distinguish democratic societies: rights, participation and representation, inclusion, equality, and power. Liberal democracies emphasize individualism, negative rights, representative government, inclusive citizenship, equal opportunity, and limited government. Free democracies stress community, positive rights, direct participation, exclusive citizenship, equal outcomes, and robust government. The book examines the most important arguments for and against democracy, and explores the life cycle of democracies - how countries democratize, mature, and fail. Finally, the author uses the five dimensions established earlier to evaluate and grade American democracy.

1. Liberty and freedom
2. Freedom or liberty?
3. Rights
4. Participation and representation
5. Inclusion
6. Equality
7. Power
8. The case against democracy
9. The case for democracy
10. Paths of democratization
11. Building a stable democracy
12. Three misconceptions about democratization
13. How democracies die
14. How democratic is the United States?

Subject Areas: Comparative politics [JPB], Political science & theory [JPA], Politics & government [JP]