Democracy in Practice

"Democracy in Practice" is unique in clearly describing and analyzing all three existing models of democracy: participatory democracy; referenda and initiatives; and representative or liberal democracy. Using numerous real life examples from all over the world, Helena Catt explores how each is used in practice and discusses the main problems with each model. She also examines the strengths and weaknesses of the main voting systems, the relative merits of the three models of democracy, and how the level of democratic control can be increased in the future. The challenge for democracy in the 21st century is not how democracy is achieved but which decisions are taken democratically and which group of people participate.

bThis unique textbook provides students with a detailed look at many different aspects of democracy in practice: clearly describing and analysing all three existing models of democracy: * participatory democracy * referenda and initiatives * representative or liberal democracy. Using numerous real life examples from all over the world, this text explores how each is used in practice and provides discussion of the main problems with each model, answering the question: Why are there so many different forms of democratic practice?