| The Politics of Participation: From Athens to E-Democracy Contributor(s): Qvortrup, Matt (Author) |
|
 |
ISBN: 0719076595 ISBN-13: 9780719076596 Publisher: Manchester University Press OUR PRICE: $28.45 Product Type: Paperback - Other Formats Published: August 2007 Annotation: We live in an age of democracy. Very few people challenge the virtues of "government by the people," yet, politicians and commentators are fond of decrying the "crisis of democracy." How do these views square up? This book provides the answer by surveying the philosophical history of democracy and its critics and by analyzing empirical data about citizen participation in Britain and other developed democracies. In addition to analysis of major political thinkers like Plato, Machiavelli and J.S. Mill, the book analyzes how modern technology has influenced democracy. An essential book for students of politics, history and media studies this study puts the debate about democracy into perspective and offers a solid grounding for future discussions. |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Political Science | Political Ideologies - Democracy - Political Science | History & Theory - General - Political Science | Political Process - General |
| Dewey: 321.8 |
| Physical Information: 0.61" H x 6.26" W x 9.14" (0.69 lbs) 200 pages |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: We live in an age of democracy. Very few people challenge the virtues of 'government by the people', yet politicians and commentators are fond of decrying the 'crisis of democracy'. How do these views square up? This book provides the answer by surveying the philosophical history of democracy and its critics and by analysing empirical data about citizen participation in Britain and other developed democracies. In addition to analysis of major political thinkers like Plato, Machiavelli and J.S. Mill, the book analyses how modern technology has influenced democracy. Among the issues discussed in the book are why people vote and what determines their decisions, what prompts citizen involvement in riots and demonstrations, whether spin doctors and designer politics pose a threat to democracy and the influence of mass media on our political behaviour. More than merely providing an overview, the book also presents original analyses of timely issues such as referendums and the consequences of postal voting. An essential book for students of politics, history and media studies, this study puts the debate about democracy into perspective and offers a solid grounding for future discussions. |