The thesis of this original and provocative book is that
representative government should be understood as a combination of
democratic and undemocratic, aristocratic elements. Professor Manin
challenges the conventional view that representative democracy is
no more than an indirect form of government by the people, in which
citizens elect representatives only because they cannot assemble
and govern in person. The argument is developed by examining the
historical moments when the present institutional arrangements were
chosen from among the then available alternatives. Professor Manin
reminds us that while today representative institutions and
democracy appear as virtually indistinguishable, when
representative government was first established in Europe and
America, it was designed in opposition to democracy proper. Drawing
on the procedures used in earlier republican systems, from
classical Athens to Renaissance Florence, in order to highlight the
alternatives that were forsaken, Manin brings to the fore the
generally overlooked results of representative mechanisms. These
include the elitist aspect of elections and the non-binding
character of campaign promises.
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!
Welcome to Loot.co.za!
Sign in / Register |Wishlists & Gift Vouchers |Help | Advanced search
