A Preface to Democratic Theory, Volume 10A Preface to Democratic Theory explores some problems left unsolved by traditional democratic theory, Professor Dahl examines two influential "model" theories—the Madisonian, representing the prevailing American doctrine, and its recurring challenger, the populistic theory—and argues that they no longer explain how modern democracies operate. He then constructs a model more consistent with modern political science, and, in doing so, develops some unique views of popular sovereignty and the American constitutional system. "A Preface to Democratic Theory is well worth the devoted attention of anyone who cares about democracy. For it will have an important influence on both theory about democracy and on actual practice in democracies round the world."—Bernard Barber, Political Science Quarterly "The book is a must for democratic theorists."—J. Roland Pennock, Journal of Politics |
What people are saying - Write a review
We haven't found any reviews in the usual places.
Contents
Introduction | |
Madisonian Democracy | |
Populistic Democracy | 30 |
Polyarchal Democracy | 59 |
Equality Diversity and Intensity | 86 |
American Hybrid | 120 |
Index | 148 |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
alternative amendment American argument assume basic behavior candidate cent chapter checks choice citizens consensus constitutional Court decisions defined definition democracy democratic desirable determine disagreement effect election electorate empirical evidently examine example executive exist extent fact faction favor follows given goals governmental Hence highly Hypothesis important individuals intensity interests kinds leaders least legislative less limited Madison Madisonian majority maximize mean measure method minority natural rights necessary objection observe operation organization party PERCENTAGE perhaps period political activity political equality polyarchy popular sovereignty populistic democracy possible preference present principle probably problem proposition question real world reasonable relatively representation representative require Rule scale seems Senate sense severe situation social society solution specified sufficient suggests suppose theory thought tion turn tyranny United validity values veto vote voters
References to this book
Bibliographic information
| Title | A Preface to Democratic Theory, Volume 10 A Preface to Democratic Theory, Robert A. Dahl Lectures, University of Chicago Charles R. Walgreen Foundation /. Volume 115 of Phoenix books in political science Page 115 of Phoenix books Page 115 of Political science Walgreen Foundation Lectures |
| Authors | Robert A. Dahl, Robert A.. Dahl |
| Editor | University of Chicago Press |
| Contributor | Charles R. Walgreen Foundation for the Study of American Institutions |
| Edition | illustrated, reprint |
| Publisher | University of Chicago Press, 1956 |
| ISBN | 0226134261, 9780226134260 |
| Length | 155 pages |
| Subjects | › › Political Science / General Political Science / Political Ideologies / Democracy |
| Export Citation | BiBTeX EndNote RefMan |